81 Greek nationals return home from Israel, Palestinian territories

People wait in departing section at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s only international airport, after many flights from abroad are cancelled due to the attacks launched by Palestinian factions in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 8, 2023. [Turgut Alp Boyraz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images]

A total of 81 Greek citizens returned home late yesterday from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories as the situation continues to escalate.

The citizens, who went to the region on two organised tours, were waiting at Ben Gurion Airport, the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“For the remaining individual visitors, efforts are being made to ensure their safe return at the earliest possible time,” the statement added.

The Gaza-based resistance launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning, firing a barrage of rockets and infiltrating towns around the besieged enclave.

In retaliation, the Israeli military bombarded the Gaza Strip on Saturday and Sunday, razing to the ground many high-rise buildings.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attacks, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 493 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,751 others.

123,500 Palestinians internally displaced in Gaza: UN

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