A hospital in southern Israel and two towns near Tel Aviv were struck after a barrage of Iranian missiles early on June 19, with rescuers reporting at least 47 people injured in the latest attacks. Photo: AFP / Jack Guez
A Samoan woman is among those stranded in Israel after completing training.
Polino Falevaai, 25, from Tufuiopa village was meant to fly home on Wednesday but her flight was cancelled due to the Israel-Iran conflict in the area.
She has completed a 10-month training program in Israel, focused on agricultural research and innovation.
Last Friday, Israel launched an aerial assault against Iran, which it said were aimed at disrupting the Islamic Republic's nuclear infrastructure. Iran has been retaliating in what it says is self-defence.
Falevaai told the Samoa Observer that the conflict was "scary".
"But I'm still praying for the Lord's protection while I'm here," she said.
"The first three nights we've been going to the bomb shelter. We've tried our best to stay calm."
Polino Falevaai, holding cheque, at AICAT - the Arava International Center for Agriculture Training. Photo: Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa/Facebook
Falevaai, who works for the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, told the newspaper that while there have been some missile threats in the south, where she is, it is not as severe; and she hopes to return to Samoa next week once the airport reopens.
Earlier this week, the Solomon Islands foreign ministry said five people who completed agriculture training in Israel are safe but unable to come home amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
The ministry said in a statement the Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with the students.
The White House said on Thursday (US time) that President Donald Trump will make a decision on whether the US will get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict in the next two weeks.
