The Vietnamese community in Israel, Vietnamese officials on working trips, and tourists to Israel are still safe amid an escalating conflict between the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and Israel, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel reported on Saturday that the conflict between Israel and Palestinian territories has been complex over the past two days, causing hundreds of casualties.

The embassy has proactively taken various measures to protect Vietnamese citizens.

In particular, it posted announcements on its official social media page, describing measures to ensure security and safety for citizens, and providing contact information.

The embassy also appointed officials to stay in touch with the Vietnamese community in Israel to continuously update information.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has closely cooperated with local authorities and diplomatic missions to implement measures to protect Vietnamese citizens.

As directed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy will continue keeping a close watch on the situation, maintaining regular contact with the Vietnamese community, and drawing up appropriate citizen protection plans to ensure the safety of the Vietnamese.

The ministry advised Vietnamese citizens against visiting areas of conflict.

The Vietnamese people in Israel should closely monitor the situation, take necessary security measures, comply strictly with local authorities’ requirements, avoid large gatherings, and limit travel.

Those Vietnamese citizens in need of assistance can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel via the phone numbers: 972-50-818-6116, +972-52-727-4248, and +972-50-994-0889, or the embassy’s citizen protection hotline at +84 981 84 84 84.

At present, the Vietnamese community in Israel numbers some 700 people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel was “at war” after Hamas launched a devastating surprise attack on the country.

Reuters reported on Sunday that Hamas gunmen had killed at least 250 Israelis, while more than 230 Gazans had died in Israel's response.

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