Prime Minister Hun Manet has set the safety of all Cambodians nationals remaining in Israel as a top priority, saying the government is working closely with its Israeli counterparts to ensure they receive protection.

Manet is mourning the tragic loss of 24-year-old Chan Oudom, a veterinarian student who was slain on October 7, the day vicious fighting broke out in southern Israel, when Palestinian group Hamas launched a coordinated wave of unprecedented assaults.

He updated the situation of the Cambodians – mostly agricultural students – who are still in Israel, noting that of the 453 present, 323 have been moved to safe places, while the remaining 130 are still in the “red zone”, the scene of fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces.

Speaking at the October 10 launch of the National Strategy for Informal Economic Development 2023-28, Manet said that since the fighting broke out, he had instructed the ministries of foreign affairs and agriculture to indentify the exact number of citizens who are in Israel and their locations, so as to allow for protective measures to be employed.

Manet called on all Cambodians who are there to pay attention to their personal safety, remain calm and follow the instructions of the Israeli government. He said he trusted the government of Israel to ensure their safety and that of other foreign nationals.

“The Israeli government has assured each of the countries whose citizens are guests in their country that they are capable of ensuring the safety of all people, no matter whether they are Israeli or foreigners,” he said.

Manet urged an end to the fighting through negotiations, rather than the use of force. He urged the immediate release of the more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas, and that they be unharmed.

According to international media reports, around 900 people have been killed in Israel since the October 7 assault began, with 260 reportedly killed by Hamas forces while attending an open air “rave” in the desert. In Palestine, 690 have reportedly been killed.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, appreciated that the majority of the Cambodians had been moved to safe places.

“We are right to be concerned about our fellow Khmer. Although our country went through years of war, we currently know only peace. The Cambodians who are there are young, and have never experienced anything like this. It must be very hard for them,” he said.

Regarding the unprecedented assault by Hamas fighters, Peou suggested that Hamas appear to enjoy the backing of third party nations which have a rivalry with Israel.