The Vietnamese embassy in Israel issued an urgent notice on the morning of 28/2 to Vietnamese citizens residing, studying, and working there, following Tel Aviv's missile launch towards Tehran and Iran's declared retaliation.

The embassy stated, "The Vietnamese community must fully comply with security and safety regulations and guidelines issued by the Israeli government. They should regularly update information through Vietnamese associations and groups in Israel to stay informed and communicate as needed."

Vietnamese citizens should minimize travel between Israeli cities during this sensitive period. They should aim to stay near areas with bomb shelters, proactively develop safety plans for themselves and their families, and be prepared to return to Vietnam or relocate to a third country if conditions allow.

The community should maintain regular contact with the Vietnamese embassy in Israel. For emergencies or citizen protection assistance, individuals can call the hotlines: +972 555 025 616 and +972 508 783 373.

Smoke rises in Tehran, Iran, after an Israeli airstrike on 28/2. *Photo: AP*

According to the Vietnamese embassy, following the airstrike on Iran and a subsequent situation assessment, the Israel Home Front Command decided to downgrade its nationwide operational status from "full activity" to "maintaining essential activities only."

Consequently, all educational activities in Israel are temporarily suspended, large gatherings are prohibited, and businesses and workplaces have ceased operations, with the exception of essential services. This policy remains in effect from 8h on 28/2 until 20h00 on 2/3.

Israeli citizens are instructed to remain near bomb shelters, closely monitor missile warnings, and be prepared to act immediately upon an alarm. Furthermore, Israel has closed its airspace to civilian flights until further notice, leading to the temporary suspension of all commercial flights to and from the country.

Several foreign embassies in Israel, including those of the US, UK, and Poland, have also advised their citizens to strictly adhere to local government instructions, limit non-essential travel, and prepare for potential departure from Israel if conditions allow.

Following Israel's airstrike, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of "the first wave in a fierce missile and UAV attack campaign" against the country. Iran fired numerous missiles towards Israel, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. Israeli military sources reported that air defense systems intercepted a missile launched from Iran targeting central Israel, with no casualties recorded.

Nhu Tam