“They traveled at their own risk” — this is how Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław T. Bartoszewski commented today on the situation of Polish citizens currently in Israel. His remarks come amid ongoing communication chaos surrounding the evacuation of Poles from areas affected by conflict in the Middle East. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly endorsed Bartoszewski’s statement.
Military operations between Israel and Iran have been ongoing for several days. According to Radio ZET on Sunday, the Polish Embassy and Consulate in Tel Aviv hold a list of over 200 Polish nationals currently in Israel. The outlet also reported on an evacuation initiative, allegedly involving the embassy hiring a private company to transport Poles by bus to Jordan or Egypt, from where they would be flown back to Europe. However, the costs were reportedly to be covered by the returning individuals themselves.
These reports were addressed by MFA spokesperson Paweł Wroński, who denied that any such measures had been taken.
“It was the Honorary Consul in Israel who proposed organizing commercial departures for Poles from the country. This initiative is not being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We respect such efforts, but we are not responsible for them,” he explained.
A Breakdown in Communication and Decision-Making
On Sunday evening, the Head of the Prime Minister’s Office announced that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing the evacuation of Polish citizens from the Middle East.”
“Both military and civilian flights are being prepared, provided conditions allow. Repatriation will be free of charge,” wrote Jan Grabiec.
The opposition has accused the government of mismanaging the evacuation effort and creating confusion. Online users have pointed to the chaotic and inconsistent communication around the situation.
Bartoszewski Adds Fuel to the Fire
Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław T. Bartoszewski further intensified the controversy this morning.
“For many weeks we have been urging people not to travel to these regions, and anyone who does so does it at their own risk. We cannot be held accountable for that (…). We anticipated problems in the Middle East and clearly advised against traveling to those countries. (…) Reasonable people should understand that if we say ‘please do not travel to a certain area unless absolutely necessary,’ then, with all due respect, tourists should avoid regions that are under threat,” Bartoszewski said in an interview with Polsat News.
Wroński: His Words Reflect the Truth
Asked during a press briefing about Bartoszewski’s remarks, MFA spokesperson Paweł Wroński responded:
“As you can see, we are trying to assist Polish citizens regardless of their motivations or circumstances. Minister Bartoszewski’s statement—that they traveled at their own risk, since we have been warning against such trips for weeks and months—is factually accurate. Nevertheless, our diplomatic missions are actively providing assistance on the ground: informing people where it is safe, what they can do, how and when they may leave. At present, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing the evacuation of those who are stranded. We are helping to the extent that we are able,” Wroński said.