By Ahmet Gencturk
ATHENS (AA) – Greece on Tuesday evacuated 90 of its citizens who were stranded in Israel due to heavy fighting in the Middle Eastern country.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Greek citizens were returned to the country via Israeli flag carrier EL-AL.
“For tomorrow, October 11, a special flight has been arranged by the Ministry, for Greeks residing in Israel, who wish to be repatriated,” it added.
Meanwhile, the public broadcaster ERT reported that the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Greek Police have taken extra measures, in cooperation with the competent institutions of European and allied countries, to protect Israeli interests in the country.
“The priority of all security forces in the country is to increase the intelligence network and their continuous evaluation and, of course, to maintain order, security for all and calm in the Greek territory,” it added.
Hamas sent dozens of fighters who infiltrated Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip on Saturday amid heavy rocket fire. Hamas said the attack was in response to Israeli violations in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.
Israel retaliated with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and imposed a total blockade on the territory, home to nearly 2.3 million people.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 830 Palestinians were killed and 4,250 others injured in the Israeli bombardment of the strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”