DILI, 20 June 2025 (TATOLI) – As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, Timorese students studying in Tel Aviv say they are increasingly feeling unsafe following recent missile attacks launched by Iran on the city.
Timorese students described being shaken awake by explosions and expressed fear for their safety, especially as Iranian missile strikes have hit hospitals and residential buildings.
Egas da Silva, one of the students shared that the escalating tension between Iran and Israel is particularly distressing at night. “During the day, everything feels normal, but when night falls, we can’t sleep because of the sound of intercepted missiles exploding in the air,” he said.
Similarly, Benjamin da Costa, another Timorese student, confirmed that while some Iranian missiles struck several locations in Israel, the damage was not severe. He noted that the Israeli government has shelters in place to protect civilians during such attacks.
Costa said Timorese authorities have reached out to students in Israel to check on their safety. However, when asked about the possibility of evacuation, he explained that repatriation is currently not an option due to the closure of Israeli airspace.
Since the conflict erupted a week ago, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 639 people in Iran, according to a report by The Associated Press. Iran’s Ministry of Health has also reported more than 2,500 people injured. Meanwhile, Iranian retaliatory strikes have left 24 people dead in Israel.
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Evaristo Soares Martins
