119 Chinese evacuated from Israel to Egypt

TABA, Egypt, June 19 (Xinhua) -- One hundred and nineteen Chinese citizens were evacuated from Israel to Egypt on Thursday through the Taba border crossing in Egypt's South Sinai province.

After completing the necessary procedures, the evacuees entered Egypt from the crossing around 15:30 local time (12:30 GMT) and were then guided onto buses.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, the people evacuated from Israel include 117 students and two Hong Kong residents, who will be transferred to Cairo.

"China is highly concerned about our compatriots overseas. Their well-being and safety are always our priority," said Liao Liqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt.

"We completed all preparatory work efficiently within 24 hours and dispatched an action group to Taba overnight to organize the process of entry," Liao said, adding the embassy worked closely with relevant Egyptian departments overnight to request passage permits, necessary assistance, and security guarantees.

Sun Xue, a postdoctoral fellow at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said that the journey from Jerusalem to the Taba border crossing took about four hours.

"During the entry process at the crossing, staff and volunteers from the Chinese Embassy in Egypt provided warm assistance and coordination. We are truly grateful to them," Sun said.