A building hit during an ongoing fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces. The student who was reported killed is one of 450 Cambodian citizens – most of them studying agriculture – in Israel, according to the foreign ministry. XINHUA
A Cambodian student was reported killed as fighting broke out between Hamas and Israeli forces on October 7. The student is one of 450 Cambodian citizens – most of them studying agriculture – in Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“The government is deeply saddened by the loss of our citizen and would like to share condolences with the family,” said an October 8 statement by the ministry.
Following instructions by Prime Minister Hun Manet, the ministry has been in contact with the Israeli government to ensure the safety of the remaining Cambodians who are present in Israel.
A Whatsapp and Telegram hotline has been established on +85586881688 for use as an emergency contact.
The Cambodian embassies in Turkiye and Egypt are also prepared to assist in case of emergency. They can be reached on +90 5344599689 and +20 115 627 9999, respectively.
Via an October 8 voice message, Manet called on all Cambodians there to keep themselves safe, suggesting they follow the instructions of the Israeli authorities during this difficult time, he added.
Former Prime Minister Hun Sen, as president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), issued a similar call, telling them to follow the authorities’ instructions.
In a same day audio message, Hun Sen called on the public, especially the families of those present in Israel, to trust that the government would resolve the matter.
“I call again on the families of our students in Israel to remain calm. If possible, they should try to contact the students in Israel and urge them to also remain calm,” he said.
Hamas reportedly launched an unprecedented series of coordinated attacks into Israel from the Gaza strip on October 7.
At least 250 people in Israel were killed, with nearly 2,000 injured. Dozens of Israeli hostages have been taken, with unverified videos released of frightened, bound Israeli civilians.
The surprise massed attacks by Hamas represent the most serious intelligence failure by Israeli agencies since the 1973 surprise invasion by an Arab coalition 50 years ago this week.
Retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip are reported to have killed at least 232 and injured 1,650.
