Marama na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa says they are safe and in good health and spirits in Jerusalem as Israel has declared war on religious fundamentalist group Hamas following attacks along the Gaza border.

More than 300 Fijians and members of the Fijian diaspora are in Jerusalem to attend the Feast of Tabernacles 2023 that concluded yesterday.

In a facebook post, Ro Teimumu says authorities are working tirelessly and they will continue to heed advisories. She is urging people to join them in prayers for the people and government of the State of Israel and parties involved and affected with the recent attacks.

Christian Mission Fellowship International Minister Manasa Kolivuso who is also in Jerusalem says they have had to move to the bomb shelter about six times since the attack began.

In a facebook live video, Kolivuso says they have been told not to go out until an all clear has been given by the authorities.

Kolivuso says they are also in touch with a Fiji Airways security personnel regarding flights and Israeli airspace.

Gaza is about 77km from Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, BBC reports Israel was taken by surprise by the most ambitious operation Hamas has ever launched from Gaza.

Hamas breached the wire that separates Gaza from Israel in multiple places in the most serious cross-border attack Israel has faced in more than a generation.

According to Al Jazeera, medical sources in Gaza say at least 232 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air attacks launched after a Hamas offensive against Israel that killed at least 200.

The group running the besieged enclave says its surprise, large-scale operation was in response to the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.

Hamas says it fired thousands of rockets and captured “a big number” of Israelis after its fighters crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country is at war and will exact a heavy price from its enemies.

Within hours Israel was responding with air strikes into Gaza, killing many Palestinians and its generals will be planning a ground operation next.

The presence of Israeli hostages there means it will be even more complicated than previous incursions.

Stay with us for updates.

Source: BBC, Al Jazeera

The Fiji Airways chartered flight that was scheduled to operate a return charter service via Hong Kong to Tel Aviv on Tuesday is now subject to review as Israel has declared war on Hamas following attacks on the Gaza border.

More than 300 Fijians and members of the Fijian diaspora are in Jerusalem to attend the Feast of Tabernacles 2023 that concluded yesterday.

Fiji Airways says they entirely dependant upon advice from security authorities in Israel which will determine their ability to operate to and from Tel Aviv.

They say the airline will continue to monitor the situation and respond to the changing security situation.

The airline is requesting customers to continue checking their website for updates and adds the safety and security of their staff and guests is their top priority.

Meanwhile, Marama na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa says they are safe and in good health and spirits in Jerusalem.

In a facebook post, Ro Teimumu says authorities are working tirelessly and they will continue to heed advisories. She is urging people to join them in prayers for the people and government of the State of Israel and parties involved and affected with the recent attacks.

Stay with us for updates.