Cook Islanders who are in Israel to observe the Feast of the Tabernacle are ‘safe’ as the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip escalates.

A group of about 30 from the Cook Islands in Jerusalem are asking people for their prayers after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented deadly attack on Israel over the weekend.

The militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, launched its largest surprise attacks in decades on Saturday, killing at least 250 Israelis and escaping with dozens of hostages. Israel responded with huge strikes on cities in the blockaded Gaza Strip, destroying dozens of buildings, as Hamas continued to fire rockets into Israel. As of last night, more than 1100 people have been killed in Israel and Gaza, the authorities said, with the death toll expected to rise.

Kora Kora, who is part of the Cook Islands group, said: “We are all safe and well in Jerusalem. Our hearts and prayers are with the nation of Israel at this time.”

Sanaila Nahuto, a Fijian citizen based in Rarotonga and part of the Cook Islands group, said they were “safe and sound” at their accommodation.

The Cook Islands group is in Israel to attend the Feast of Tabernacles 2023 that concluded on Friday. They are based in Jerusalem, about 77 kilometres away from Gaza, the epicentre of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Cook Islands Government which has condemned the attack has made contacts with the leaders of the Cook Islands group through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).

Secretary of MFAI Tepaeru Herrmann yesterday told Cook Islands News that over the last day and a half, the government have been engaged with leaders of the Cook Islands group visiting Israel to provide support.

“That engagement has been supported by the Israeli government through its diplomatic mission in Wellington and the New Zealand Government through its missions in Rarotonga and Ankara, MFATs mission accredited to Israel,” Herrmann said.

“Group members have registered with SafeTravel and are receiving periodic updates and travel advice via that portal as well as MFAI. MFAI have advised the group to adhere to restrictions and instructions issued by local authorities, such as curfews and travel restrictions, which the group are complying with - and all areas of military activity be avoided. They’ve also been advised to contact loved ones back home to let them know they are safe.”

Herrmann said both Prime Minister Mark Brown, who returned from travel duty yesterday, and the Acting PM Rose Toki-Brown have been kept abreast of the group’s welfare.

“MFAI will continue to coordinate engagement with the group until they have returned home and keep PM updated.

“The group’s planned departure originally scheduled for over the next few days is dependent on the advice of security authorities in Israel and the resumption of international flights group members are booked on.”

Members of the Cook Islands group in Israel. Kora Kora, far right, and Sanaila Nahuto, far left, said the members are safe and sound. GABBY ABARIGA/23100802

Herrmann said the Cook Islands is deeply saddened by the loss of lives and suffering endured by both Israelis and Palestinians as a result of the ongoing conflict. 

“We join others in condemning the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages which violates fundamental international humanitarian law principles, and we urge all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict through an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life and suffering.”

In Rarotonga, the Celebration Church Rarotonga, who have members in the visiting group, said: “Our church family in Israel are all safe and in good spirit. They are actively praying together on the ground in Israel and joining in worship with other believers at their accommodation. They are due to fly out tomorrow (yesterday) but will know if this is possible closer to the time. Let’s be in prayer for the team and for their safe return home without complications.”

“Pray for Israel. For the safety of the IDF and all citizens. Pray for the return of hostages. Pray for the families of the victims. Pray for the love of Jesus to encounter them. Pray for wisdom for the leaders and for Divine protection over all the people,” the church said in a Facebook post.

• Additional reporting by Reuters and The New York Times