The ruling authorities still have not changed their position regarding assistance for Polish citizens stranded abroad due to the situation in the Middle East. No aircraft will be sent, and the only form of “assistance” offered consists, for example, of additional hotlines. Many Poles report difficulties contacting Polish consuls. When asked about this, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcin Bosacki of Civic Platform (PO) stated: “the problems result from the fact that thousands of people are trying to get in touch.”
Since Saturday, an operation conducted by Israel and the United States against Iran has been underway. As a result of the strikes carried out, the supreme leader – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – as well as other high-ranking representatives of the authorities were killed. In response to these actions, Tehran launched its announced retaliation, striking American bases in the region. Explosions have been heard in many Middle Eastern countries.
Poles Have No Way to Return Home
Due to the tense situation in the Middle East, more countries in the region are closing their airspace, causing serious disruptions to air traffic. Many carriers have canceled flights in the region, including Polish Airlines LOT, which decided to suspend flights to Tel Aviv (Israel) until March 15 inclusive, as well as to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) until March 2.
Many Poles remain on site, deprived of the possibility of returning to the country. As part of its “assistance”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a second hotline operating during specific hours. However, no decision has been made to send military aircraft that would enable citizens to return safely to Poland. Such a solution was adopted, among others, by the Czech Republic, which sent four aircraft to Oman – three to Muscat and one to Salalah.
Poles stranded abroad also complain about the inability to contact Polish consulates. In Dubai, Polish citizens attempting to reach the embassy heard a message stating that it operates only four days a week.
In response to questions about the difficulties affecting Poles, the ruling authorities provide evasive answers.
Deputy Foreign Minister on the “Biggest Problem”
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcin Bosacki believes that the biggest problems stem from the fact that “suddenly thousands of people are trying to contact consuls, of whom there are, of course, only a dozen in total in the Gulf countries.”
In his assessment, one “absolutely” cannot say that the missions failed to rise to the occasion.