The government-supported flights with Etihad Airlines have helped more than 50 Kiwis and eligible travellers leave Israel. (file image) Photo: JACK GUEZ / AFP
The New Zealand government's assisted departure flights from Israel have ended, but commercial options remain available, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says.
The flights with Etihad Airlines have helped more than 50 Kiwis and eligible travellers leave Israel amid an ongoing conflict between the country and Hamas.
In a statement, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said people on the flights went to the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi, where they were responsible for their own onward travel.
"Many of the 244 New Zealanders still registered as being in Israel have now departed the country."
The spokesperson said the ministry understood there were still about 50 Kiwis in Israel, and 20 were registered to be in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (Gaza and the West Bank).
Of those in Israel, the ministry said it was not concerned for their welfare at this stage, but had contacted them to see if they needed help.
"We recognise that the situation for New Zealanders in Gaza and the West Bank is more difficult and complex than for those in Israel," the spokesperson said.
"MFAT is actively working on options to assist those individuals and is in regular contact with them."
The ministry advised New Zealanders in Israel wanting to leave to do so now, saying the security situation remained highly volatile and flight operations could be interrupted at any time.
"New Zealanders in the region are encouraged to register on SafeTravel for the most up-to-date information.
"Anyone that wants to leave Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories but can't, should contact MFAT's Consular Emergency Call Centre."