Samoans who were trapped in Israel landed in Fiji early Thursday morning after Fiji Airways flew a rescue mission from Ben Gurion Airport amidst a raging war between Hamas and Israel.

Among the rescued were more than 200 Fijians who also returned from Jerusalem. 

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka greeted all those who returned in a special welcome ceremony held at the Nadi International Airport.

He said their safe return was a testament to the resilience of our nation and the Fijian spirit that binds us together and pointed to the collective strength of his nation in times of need as a source of great pride and unity.

Mr. Rabuka said they will continue to work diligently to ensure the well-being and safety of all Fijians, both at home and abroad.

The Prime Minister has also expressed his gratitude to those involved in bringing home 255 Fijians back to their homeland on a flight that departed from Ben Gurion Airport earlier on Wednesday.

Among the passengers were Fiji's Agricultural Institutes of the Center for Agricultural Technology students, who were pursuing studies in agriculture in Israel, the 200 Fijians who had journeyed to Jerusalem to partake in the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as a group of Pacific Islanders.

The Samoan Government has yet to issue any statement on the war in Israel or about the safety of Samoans who are still in Israel. It is believed at least 20 Samoans are living and working in Israel.

The war in Israel broke out last Saturday (Sunday Apia Time) after Hamas fighters went on a killing spree as Israel was wrapping up the seven-day-long Jewish festival of Sukkot.