Tanzania begins evacuating citizens from Israel and Iran as Middle East tensions escalate

Tanzania has begun repatriating its citizens from Israel and Iran as conflict escalates across the Middle East.

Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Denis Londo, made the announcement when he appeared before Parliament on Monday, noting that Tanzanian embassies in the two nations are coordinating the evacuations.

"These efforts are being coordinated through our embassies in Tel Aviv, Ankara, Kuwait, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi. We are committed to ensuring that every Tanzanian returns home safely," said Londo.

The Ministry reports that when tensions escalated, 168 Tanzanians were living in Iran and 495 in Israel. So far, 147 citizens have been successfully evacuated, 95 from vulnerable areas in Iran and 42 from Israel.

Diplomatic approach

Londo also highlighted the need for a diplomatic approach to resolving the Israel-Iran crisis, advocating for calm and constructive dialogue, in line with the principles of the United Nations.

"Tanzania emphasises the importance of addressing global challenges through diplomacy, guided by the principles of the United Nations," he said.

The development comes amid Tuesday morning reports that Israel and Iran had struck a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and Qatar, to end the conflict.

Retaliatory strike

However, by Tuesday afternoon, tensions appeared to be flaring again, with emerging reports suggesting that Israel was preparing a potential retaliatory strike against Iran, accusing Tehran of breaching the terms of the deal.

The Guardian reports that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel would "respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire," following military reports of incoming Iranian missiles.

"In light of Iran's blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States through the launch of missiles toward Israel, and in accordance with the Israeli government's policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) to continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran," he said.

Iran, however, swiftly denied launching any missiles, with military officials warning that the country's armed forces stand ready to respond to any external threats.

The conflicting claims have cast doubt over the durability of the truce, prompting fresh concerns that the fragile ceasefire could unravel and trigger a larger conflict.

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