Albania and Serbia begin evacuations from Israel, Kosovo no clarification

Albania and Serbia are two of the countries in the region that have begun evacuating their citizens from Israel, following the escalation of this country's conflict with Iran.

It is not known whether Kosovo has expelled any of its citizens from Israel. Radio Free Europe reports that it has contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information, but has not received a response.

Albania's Minister for Europe and European Affairs, Igli Hasani, has announced that five Albanian citizens, who were in Israel for tourist and professional reasons, have left through Egypt.

"They are now in Egypt, in good health, and are expected to return to Albania soon," Hasani announced in a Facebook post.

Albania has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 2022, following a cyberattack for which Tirana blamed Tehran.

Serbian Prime Minister Gjuro Macut has not announced the exact number of Serbian citizens who have left, but has only stated that "some have been evacuated."

He said that the Government is continuing to implement other measures for Serbian citizens who are still in Iran and Israel.

"The government is monitoring and taking all necessary measures to protect Serbian citizens who are currently in Israel and Iran," it said in a statement.

A good portion of countries around the world have instructed their citizens not to travel to Israel and Iran since the start of direct conflict between them on June 13.

That day, Israel launched attacks on Iran's military and nuclear facilities, saying it aims to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon, as it considers it a threat to its existence.

The attacks have killed at least 224 people in Iran, including senior military figures and nuclear scientists.

Iran has retaliated by launching over 370 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel.

So far, 24 people have been reported killed. The Israeli military said Iran launched new missiles on Tuesday and explosions were heard in northern Israel.