People who were on vacation in Israel and due to the situation are returning to their countries of residence, have said that the situation there is frightening and dangerous. 

This morning, several hundred people of Jewish origin, residents of other countries, who were on vacation in Israel, arrived at the port of Larnaca by cruise ship and efforts are being made to find flights to return to their countries of residence. Meanwhile, Israelis who were in other countries or in Cyprus are also awaiting flights to be able to repatriate.

There are enhanced security measures at the airport and most armed police officers are in the departures’ area of the airport, where many Israelis wait to return to their country today.

CNA has learned that this morning, around 1,500 people of Jewish origin from America, Canada and Australia arrived at the port of Larnaca on the cruise ship “Crown Iris”. They were then transferred to Larnaca airport to get a flight back to their countries.

It is noted that despite the fact that there is a large number of Israelis returning to their country, as well as tourists, the situation at the airport is manageable and everything runs smoothly. Today, 13 special flights are scheduled to depart for Israel, 9 to Haifa and 4 to Tel Aviv, while the first flight had departed around 5 in the morning.

Tomorrow, the cruise ship, which is participating in the “Safe Return” operation, is expected to sail to the port of Limassol to pick up around 1,600 Israelis who are in Cyprus and wish to return to their country.

The cruise ship can carry up to 2,000 passengers. This week, the ship is expected to make another trip,  from Haifa to the port of Limassol. The same sources said that the cruise ship may be replaced with a larger capacity cruise ship.