Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said in the legislature on Wednesday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may raise humanitarian issues concerning refugees. He pointed out that these could affect individuals in Israel as well as Palestinian refugees in other countries. Wu said Taiwan should provide assistance when it can.
Wu said Taiwan is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region and emphasized concern for peace in the Middle East. He says Taiwan strongly condemns all forms of terrorist attacks and must maintain very close ties to countries with similar ideals.
156 Taiwanese citizens have safely left Israel since the conflict began, while 147 individuals who wish to remain in the country continue to be in contact with the representative office.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas initiated an attack on Israel on the 7th of this month, prompting Israel to declare war on Hamas. This escalation of hostilities has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.