Hundreds of Ghanaians remain stranded in Israel as fighting between Israel and Iran intensifies, prompting the Israeli government to declare a state of emergency and shut its borders.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development in a post on social media on Monday, saying the crisis has created significant obstacles to evacuating nationals from the region.

According to the minister, the Ghanaian Embassy in Tel Aviv has accounted for 922 citizens currently in Israel, including 65 students enrolled in six different universities.

Although there have been no reports of Ghanaian casualties or injuries, Mr Ablakwa described the situation as “uniquely challenging”, noting that evacuations cannot proceed without explicit permission from Israeli authorities.

“An evacuation from Israel cannot be carried out now except with the express authorization of Israeli authorities,” he said.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved an Emergency Evacuation Plan, which will be activated once conditions allow.

In the meantime, officials say they are maintaining regular contact with the Ghanaian community in Israel and ensuring access to bomb shelters for all citizens. Embassy staff have also shifted to remote working arrangements in line with Israeli government guidelines to reduce risk.

Mr Ablakwa stressed that the government remains committed to the safety and protection of all Ghanaians caught up in the conflict.

“President Mahama’s Administration is resolved to spare no effort in ensuring that Ghanaians caught up in this Israeli-Iranian conflict are offered full protection and removed from danger. We shall not fail our compatriots,” he said.

While evacuation efforts from Iran have been described as successful, the worsening situation in Israel has focused attention on diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage for trapped nationals.

The government says it will continue to pursue all available options to ensure the safe return of its citizens.

Source:TheDotNews