The New Zealand Government is working with Etihad Airways to evacuate Kiwis stranded in Israel away from the war zone, with the first flight leaving Tel Aviv in the coming days.

Some Kiwis stuck in the region, however, have criticised the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mfat) for their slow response and lack of urgency.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta announced the mercy flights today, saying the situation in the area remains “highly volatile”.

“Any New Zealanders who can depart the region by other commercial airlines should do so now,” Mahuta said.

People will be able to find information on how to register for one of the flights on the Mfat’s SafeTravel website.

About 90 people will be on the first flight, a spokesperson for the minister told NZME.

“There is only a limited number of seats we can secure at any given time,” Mahuta said.

“So it is important that those wishing to leave, who already have commercial bookings, do not forgo those tickets for these flights because there is no guarantee a seat can be assigned.

 “The Government will assist New Zealanders and Pacific island nationals who are having difficulty securing a commercial seat out of Tel Aviv, due to the high demand of bookings.”

Smoke rises after the Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip. Photo / AP

Mahuta said the first flight will depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and arrive in Abu Dhabi, where passengers will be responsible for travelling further.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in direct contact with those New Zealanders and eligible travellers in the region. Work remains ongoing, alongside partners, on how we can support those New Zealanders having difficulty securing flights out.

“We encourage all New Zealanders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to register on Safetravel in order to receive the most up-to-date government information, and ensure all their details are accurate and up to date,” Mahuta said.

A view of Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv earlier this year. Photo / Getty Images

Pacific neighbours fly out citizens

The Herald has heard from Kiwis in Israel who have described the terror of gunfire and bombings and their fears they would never see their families again as they waited to evacuate from the region.

Up to 54 Tongan and Kiwi members of the Connection City Church Assemblies of God church travelled to Israel for a Holy Land tour, visiting historical Christian sites.

Immediately after the group’s airline, Turkish Airlines, cancelled their flight, tour group member Pesi Sikalu told the Herald, “I’m praying to get out.”

This evening, Sikalu said, “to be honest, the NZ Government and Foreign Affairs have been so slow in responding and have shown such a lack of urgency when we’ve been on the phone to them.”

Earlier, she said, “we’re right in the thick of it. We’re just trying to stay strong, trying to stay sane. We’re scared. We’re not sure what’s going to happen. We’re just happy that we’re safe, we’re alive.

“It’s crazy. We had to take cover under a shelter - it was just a wall. We could feel the vibrations of the bombings happening.

Tongan officials have stepped up to help members of the church group.

Sikalu said, “The Tongan Government has really shown our Government up and that’s so heartbreaking given the power I know that NZ has internationally, especially compared to the small nation Tonga is. Small in nation, but big at heart.”

On Wednesday morning (NZ time), Sikalu said Turkish Airlines was set to resume a flight out of Israel that the group is booked to be on.

The Tongan Government has also sent its consul representative to be with the group.

“He will travel with us all the way back to New Zealand to ensure our safe arrival and has assured us that there are contingency plans in place in case anything happens - and that Tonga is willing to cover any costs if that’s the case,” Sikalu said.

Fijian nationals on board a Fijian Airways repatriation flight out of Israel. Photo / Kelepi Abariga

The Fijian Government, meanwhile, has also moved to bring home more than 200 Fijian nationals and members of the Pacific community from Israel.

Fiji’s nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully organised a repatriation flight using Fiji Airlines to get 198 Fijians and 48 Pacific international pilgrims out of Israel.

Included in the repatriation were 13 students from Navuso Agriculture College who had just started their studies in Israel before the conflict started.

The repatriation flight - FJ2394 - arrived at Nadi International Airport in the early hours of this morning.

Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed the civilians at the airport, where there were emotional reunions with loved ones.

On the successful rescue celebration, Rabuka said: “Today, with your safe return, I want to make clear our condemnation of the terrorist attack by Hamas which targeted innocent non-combatants and resulted in the continuing loss of life.”

The Australian Government is also evacuating its people affected by the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

On Monday, Australia directed its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to assess all options to assist Australians wanting to leave. Australians will be flown out on Qantas flights free-of-charge.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.