The last group of Samoan citizens who were stranded in Israel were safely evacuated from Jerusalem to Dubai on Tuesday, the Samoa government has announced.

In a press release issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said 13 Samoans boarded an Australian Airforce flight early Tuesday morning to Dubai, where they joined eight other members of their group who flew out of Jerusalem on an earlier Australian Airforce flight on Sunday this week. 

The group will resume their original return itinerary through Singapore-Fiji-Samoa and will arrive at the Faleolo International Airport this week Friday.

The group comprised a toddler, one student with the rest Christian pilgrims who travelled to Jerusalem to attend a prayer conference, the Welcome the King of Glory Gathering which usually convened in the month of October annually. 

"We thank the Government of Australia for the timely response in providing the critical opportunities for the group to exit Israel and for the effective collaboration with teams in Apia, Canberra and Israel that facilitated the safe departures from Israel amidst the escalating crisis resulting in flight cancellations," reads the MFAT statement. "We acknowledge the support of New Zealand through the advice of available flights; unfortunately, the opportunities were missed. 

"Likewise, we proudly acknowledge in particular the untiring efforts of Vincent Schmidt, UN Security and Personal Protection Officer in seeking out Samoans known to be in Jerusalem to be prepared for immediate departure, His nightly live broadcasts provided reassurance to families of the group of their safety. 

"Our missions in Canberra, Tokyo and particularly Brussels as well as some members of the diaspora in Dubai created a tight network to share information, provide encouragement to members of the group and support in processing transit visas."

Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer late Tuesday, Australia's High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck said the Australian government was pleased to support the 21 Samoans who were evacuated from Israel on Australian-assisted flights.

"We appreciate the collegiality of our MFAT colleagues, working together in difficult circumstances," said the High Commissioner. "Australia has also supported people from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to evacuate, and is thankful for Fiji’s support in helping 13 Australians return home. 

"This is the Pacific family at its best, working together in times of need."

Out of the total of 194 passengers on board the two Australian-assisted flights on Monday this week, 96 people were from Pacific nations. 

Israel has been locked in conflict with Hamas since 7 October 2023 when the militant group launched a multipronged offensive on Israel amid a barrage of some 3,000 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The death toll from both sides currently stands over 4,000 with thousands more injured.