The first military plane of the Ministry of Defense with more than 200 Spaniards, citizens of the European Union and third countries living in Spain who were evacuated from Israel landed tonight at the Torrejón de Ardoz air base, after the four hours travel from Tel Aviv airport. .
The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, announced shortly after midnight the takeoff of the Airbus A330: “They are going back home. , citizens of the EU and third countries who lives in Spain,” wrote Albares on his X account, formerly Twitter. A message in which he also thanked the Ministry team, the Spanish Embassy in Israel and the Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem for their work.
This Tuesday, the Defense received the request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the operations command was launched immediately, so that in a few hours the first A330 plane left Tel Aviv, with some delay due to the delay on the part of Israel. issuing the necessary permissions.
For his part, the acting Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, determined that the second of the planes sent by his department to evacuate about 500 Spaniards who remain in Israel will finally leave on Wednesday morning for an issue in the organization and after the request of the Spanish Embassy itself.
America hastened the exit plan for its citizens
Several American governments are taking urgent steps to evacuate their citizens from Israel, following attacks launched this week by militants of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas that have already left 900 dead in the territory in Israel, including many victims of American origin.
At least 14 Americans, 7 Argentines, 2 Canadians, 2 Brazilians and 2 Peruvians were among the victims of Hamas attacks on Israeli territory, according to the latest official figures.
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay and Peru are some of the American countries that already have evacuation operations for their citizens who asked to leave Israel due to the escalation of the conflict.
In addition, US President Joe Biden confirmed that there are US citizens among those kidnapped by Hamas, although he did not specify the exact number, while the State Department mentioned at least 20 missing.
Meanwhile, about 15 Argentines, 3 Peruvians, 2 Mexicans (believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas), 2 Colombians, 2 Paraguayans, a Chilean woman and a Brazilian woman have been reported missing by their respective governments. there is no confirmation at the moment if they are in the power of Hamas.
