The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova issued a warning to citizens after Iran launched a series of attacks on Israel on the night of June 8, and the Israeli army began retaliating. The agency recommends against any non-essential travel to Israel and calls on Moldovan citizens there to strictly follow the instructions of local authorities. In a comment to NewsMaker, Moldovan Ambassador to Israel Alexander Roitman said that the diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv is operating on high alert. According to him, until now not a single Moldovan citizen has applied for urgent consular assistance, and there is no information about the injured Moldovans.
“So far we have not received a single request to the hotline for consular assistance. We also have no information from the authorities that any Moldovan citizens were injured,” Roitman clarified.
According to Roitman, the situation remains tense due to mutual strikes between Israel and Iran, as well as the launch of shells from Yemen.
“The situation remains tense, given that a series of attacks occurred around midnight, and some of the attacks were carried out this morning. Israel and Iran exchanged blows, and shells were also launched from Yemen,” the ambassador emphasized.
Roitman noted that, despite the difficult situation, the embassy continues to work around the clock and provide all necessary assistance.
“Of course, this situation to a certain extent affects the work of the embassy, but we remain in place and provide consular services to our citizens. When necessary, we take shelter in shelters, as required by instructions, but otherwise we work 24/7,” Roitman said.
Roitman also said that Ben-Gurion International Airport continues to operate and is closed only during rocket attacks.
“Ben Gurion International Airport is now open and only closes during rocket attacks. The rest of the time the airport operates without interruption. Some flights were canceled due to the attacks, and some airlines announced flight suspensions. As for the flight Chisinau – Tel Aviv and back, according to the information we have, it will be carried out if the security situation does not worsen,” the ambassador clarified.
Answering a question about the risk of further escalation, the diplomat explained that what is happening can already be considered a regional conflict.
“In fact, we need to admit that this is already a regional conflict. It is difficult to predict further developments, but it is important for us to closely monitor the situation,” Roitman shared.
He also expressed hope that international efforts to resolve the conflict will bring results.
“As far as we can see, steps are being taken at the international level to resolve the conflict. We hope that these attempts will be successful,” Roitman said.
The Moldovan Foreign Ministry reported that Israel has introduced nationwide restrictions that will be in effect until 20:00 on June 8. Educational institutions are temporarily closed in the country, public shelters have been opened, hospitals have been transferred to underground operation, public transport operates with restrictions, and public events have been limited.
Citizens of Moldova can apply for emergency consular assistance at the Moldovan Embassy in Israel.
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On the night of June 8, Iran fired several missiles at Israel. According to Reuters, Tehran called this a response to the Israeli bombing of one of the Beirut districts and warned of its readiness to continue attacks if Israel expands the military operation.
Israel responded by striking military targets in western and central Iran, including in areas of Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan, where explosions were reported.
The United States called on the parties to show restraint in an attempt to prevent further expansion of the conflict. US President Donald Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an attempt to limit the scale of the Israeli military response. However, according to international media reports, the Israeli side continued the military operation.
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