DILI, 10 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MoAFF) reported that, despite the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories in recent days, the 51 Timorese nationals currently living in Israel to attend the Agriculture and Horticulture Training at the Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT) have remained safe.
“AICAT reported that the 51 Timorese citizens living and studying in Israel are safe and have not had any issue in connection with the conflict,” MoAFF National Director, Hipólito da Costa told reporters.
He said AICAT is located in the Arava region, which is far from the conflict zone in Tel Aviv, and Gaza: “They continue to study as usual.”
Costa said that they will maintain regular contact with these Timorese citizens in Israel to continuously update information and closely coordinate with relevant authorities regarding their safety.
He said they have advised these Timorese citizens to avoid traveling or visiting any area near the conflict, urging them to comply strictly with the AICAT regulations.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated in recent days to unforeseen levels, as the violence has caused hundreds of casualties and deaths.
The death toll of Palestinians rose to 687 people, including 140 children, and over 2,900 injured. At least 900 Israelis have been killed and over 2,616 wounded. Over 123,500 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were displaced, and more than 130 Israelis are reportedly being held captive, according to the UN.
On october 7, Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that controls the densely populated Gaza Strip along Israel’s border, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza. This attack caused in the tragic death of more than 700 Israelis.
In response to the Hamas attack, Israel began retaliatory bombardments of the Gaza Strip, and declaring war against Hamas.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
