FRANKFURT: Lufthansa will carry out a number of special flights on Thursday and Friday to bring German citizens still in Israel back to Germany, according to people familiar with the situation.
The final details are presently being hammered out, according to sources close to Germany’s Foreign Ministry. Those German citizens enlisted on the ELEFAND crisis prevention list will receive information about the arrangements on Thursday.
Sources indicate that Lufthansa plans to operate four flights on both Thursday and Friday as part of this initiative. The initiative, a product of negotiations between German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, is designed to address the current crisis. Lufthansa has not provided an immediate comment on the matter.
This development coincides with Israeli air strikes on Gaza, causing extensive destruction in entire districts and leading to a surge in casualties among Palestinians. The Israeli retaliation is in response to Hamas assaults, contributing to one of the most severe conflicts in 75 years.
Earlier this week, Lufthansa announced the suspension of regular flights to and from Tel Aviv until Saturday due to the prevailing uncertain security conditions.
