Hong Kong leader John Lee ‘highly concerned’ by Israeli-Palestinian crisis; tells city residents in the region ‘all available assistance’ will be given
- Lee says Hongkongers in flashpoint region should contact city government or Chinese embassy in Israel for help if needed
- Chief executive says he will monitor developments and stay in contact with Chinese embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli consulate in Hong Kong
“We are highly concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we believe it is also a matter of global concern. If Hongkongers in Israel require any assistance from the government, we will do everything possible and provide all available assistance,” Lee said.
“If anyone needs help, please reach out to us or the Chinese embassy in Israel.”
He also told Hongkongers in the flashpoint region to be aware of their surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous areas.
Eliza Yau, a Christian who came to the country on a three-month prayer mission, said she was currently staying at a resort complex outside Jerusalem after authorities in Sderot, a city bordering Gaza, evacuated its 30,000 inhabitants in anticipation of a ground offensive last Thursday.
The 63-year-old said she was staying with locals who had left their hometowns, adding the group’s spirits were high and they had received plenty of food and clothing.
“Things feel normal here, really peaceful, as if it were two worlds,” she said, noting it was a contrast to the constant blare of sirens to warn of rocket strikes in Sderot.
Yau said she hoped to remain in Israel until the end of December and had no plans to seek help from the Hong Kong government, having become familiar with the country after travelling there frequently on prayer missions.
“I have many close friends here, and I want to stay with them to provide them with psychological, physical and mental support,” she said.
The devout Christian said some of her relatives had urged her to come home, but her children supported their mother’s decision to remain in Israel.
“Some of my relatives feel very concerned for me, but my closest family members understand and know what I am doing and they respect that,” Yau added.
The Immigration Department said 58 Hong Kong residents in Israel had contacted officials for help as of Monday 5pm, 40 of whom had already returned home safely. Another six of the group had left the country, it added.
The department said it would remain in contact with the remaining 12 and provide all available assistance, such as flight information.
City leader Lee said he would monitor developments and keep in contact with the Chinese embassy in Israel and the Israeli consulate in Hong Kong.
The chief executive led a delegation to the Middle East in February to boost business links and championed the creation of a free-trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
03:30
Asia’s Muslim-majority countries rally in support of Palestinians as Middle East conflict mounts
Lee on Monday said that instability in the region, or any other part of the world, would affect the business environment and risk element for investors.
“That’s why I have always emphasised that Hong Kong needs a safe and stable social environment to ensure a solid foundation for our development so that we can seize different business opportunities,” he said. “Safety and stability are crucial for development.”
Jewish and Muslim communities in Hong Kong have held separate prayer and fundraising drives.
Hong Kong Muslim groups also registered a strong protest with the Israeli consulate.
The Israeli diplomatic mission in the city condemned “bloodthirsty terrorists” who had killed civilians indiscriminately.
At least 2,670 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and 9,600 injured since the start of the crisis, the Palestinian health ministry has said.
The Israeli Defence Forces said on Sunday at least 1,300 Israelis had been killed in Hamas’s attack on the country, including 286 soldiers.
