BY NED GAGAHE
Five Solomon Islands students in Israel are safe and well, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) confirmed this yesterday following an ongoing escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran in recent weeks.
A travel advisory has been re-emphasized yesterday strongly advising citizens against travelling to the region.
The students have been undertaking agricultural training at the Arava International Centre for Agriculture in Israel since September 2024.
The students completed their training on June 5, 2025 and were scheduled to return home on Tuesday, June 17.
However, due to the recent escalation in tensions which has resulted in the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and restricted airspace over Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Iran, the students have been unable to depart the country as planned.
The Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with the students.
The students have been advised to strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities and to continue observing all precautionary safety measures.
Solomon Islands Ambassador to the UAE, Cornelius Walegerea, said, “Given the volatile nature of the current situation, the safety of our citizens in Israel, particularly the students remain our top priority.
“Once the airport reopens and it is deemed safe for them to travel, the students will be able to return home.” Ambassador Walegerea said.
Meanwhile, the ministry has strongly advised all citizens not to travel to Israel and the region following attacks by Israel against the Republic of Iran recently.
It said escalation can escalate therefore Solomon Islands nationals in the region must take
precautionary measures, be alert and adhere to security advisory from the relevant authorities in their respective host countries.
The ministry assured citizens that Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE will continue to monitor the worrying situation.
The ministry calls on all citizens to cooperate and take heed of the travel advisory.
The students are under a partnership arrangement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Solomon Islands National University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Fisheries (SINU FAFF) and the Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT).
The students arrived and began their study program on September 4th and are residing at Yahel in Arava, southern part of Israel.
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