Forty-two Tanzanians who had been stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are expected to arrive in the country today, June 25, 2025, the government has announced.
According to a statement issued by the ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Tanzanians will return in two separate groups aboard Ethiopian Airlines flights.
The first group is scheduled to land at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar at approximately 12:55pm on June 25.
The second group will arrive at JNIA directly from Addis Ababa at around 5:55pm the same day.
The statement further noted that the repatriation follows a directive by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who ordered swift action to ensure the safety of Tanzanian nationals abroad.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, in collaboration with Tanzania’s Embassy in Israel, coordinated the evacuation efforts.
The ministry expressed gratitude to the families of the returnees for their patience and cooperation, urging the public to continue observing travel advisories during times of international unrest.
“The government remains committed to protecting Tanzanian citizens wherever they are in the world,” the statement issued on June 25 reads in part.
The 42 Tanzanians had been unable to return home amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East following an exchange of missiles between Israel and Iran, which began on June 20, 2025, when Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory.
The conflict intensified after the United States joined the offensive by targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes on US military bases and Israeli cities.
The escalation disrupted commercial flights and posed serious risks to civilian safety, including foreign nationals.
However, a US-brokered ceasefire agreement came into effect earlier this week, easing tensions and allowing for the gradual resumption of international flights out of the conflict zone.
Source: thecitizen.co.tz
