“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organising the evacuation of Polish citizens from the Middle East,” wrote the head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Jan Grabiec, on social media. The question remains: why did we have to wait so long for this decision?
On Friday, Israel began striking numerous military targets in Iran, including facilities linked to its nuclear programme.
In retaliation, Iranian forces have launched rocket barrages and drone attacks against Israeli territory.
The death toll keeps climbing, and the number of wounded is rising as well. According to Radio ZET, around 200 Poles are currently in the region and have reported to the embassy or a consulate.
Will there be an evacuation?
On Sunday, Radio ZET reported that the evacuation of Poles from Israel and the broader Middle East is planned for Monday or Tuesday. Transport is to be arranged via border crossings in Jordan (then through Amman) or via Egypt and Taba—first overland and then by air. The station said an honorary consul in Bethlehem is involved.
“The consulate is informing all those intending to leave Israel that they will need extra overnight stays while waiting for a flight connection. In an SMS message the mission states that each traveller must cover their own costs,” Radio ZET reported.
Commenting on this, the foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed: “We are aware of the honorary consul’s initiative.” He added: “We know the consul is working on such a solution on his own initiative. As I understand it, this is a paid initiative,” while stressing that it is not an official ministry operation nor coordinated by the MFA.
Until now there had been no official word on what the ministry itself would do about evacuating Poles.
“The MFA is organising the evacuation of Polish citizens from the Middle East. Both military and civilian flights are ready, provided conditions allow. Return to Poland will be free of charge,” Jan Grabiecannounced on X.com.
“The MFA botched its communication”
Marcin Przydacz, former deputy foreign minister, criticised the ministry’s days-long silence on Polsat News:
“Poles should have been evacuated hours ago. I am astonished at the Polish MFA’s ineptitude—both in planning the evacuation and in communication, because in a crisis situation communication is crucial.”
He added that many ordinary pilgrims to the Holy Land are currently in Israel and their families are desperate for information about what is planned. In his view, the MFA “completely botched its communication,” even though, as history shows, the state is capable of organising evacuations.