The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Israel has announced that in connection with the security situation in Israel, the country’s Population and Immigration Authority extended the current visas of all the foreigners who stay legally in Israel and whose visas expire next month, including for foreign workers. The information was presented after the Government of Israel formally declared a ‘state of war’ against Hamas, IPN reports.

The visas were extended until November 9, 2023. After this period, if no subsequent notification is issued, the visas will need to be extended in accordance with the normal procedures.

The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Israel informed that the Ben Gurion Airport works as usual. Some of the flights were cancelled, but particular regular flights continue to be provided to Chisinau and to the closest destination Bucharest.

“At present, there are operated no evacuation flights for the reason that there are regular flights. If you are in difficulty or in an exceptional situation, but only in emergencies, please call on 0527789772. In case of ordinary consular requests, use the contacts of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Israel/שגרירות רפובליקת מולדובה בישראל, including: cons.tel-aviv@mfa.gov.md,” said the Embassy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration said that until Saturday evening, it didn’t receive any information about Moldovans having been taken hostage or being among the victims. For any question or legal assistance related to the security situation in Israel, the Moldovans can contact the Embassy in Israel or use the Ministry’s emergency line. Contact information:  website: https://israel.mfa.gov.md/, email: tel-aviv@mfa.gov.md, emergency phone line: +972527789772, 24/7. They can also contact the MFAEI’s Call Center: 0 80 090 990 – free from landline from any locality of the Republic of Moldova; +373 22 188 000 – for calls from mobile phone or from abroad, or the email: call.center@mfa.gov.md.

Israel said it is ‘at war’ after the surprise attack carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas on October 7. Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented attack on Israel. The number of casualties is not clear, but the international press reported several hundred deaths. As a result, the Israeli army launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.