October 9, 2023
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet has sent his condolences to the bereaved family of the Cambodian student who was killed during an ongoing fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces. The student is one of 450 Cambodian citizens – most of them studying agriculture – in Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Manet said the ministry has been in contact with the Israeli government to ensure the safety of the remaining Cambodians who are trapped in the “red zone” of the fighting, which began on October 7.
In an October 8 audio message, he said officials will coordinate the repatriation of the deceased Cambodian student as early as possible.
“The government will work with its Israeli counterparts to the best of its ability to bring the remains to the bereaved family for a traditional funeral in the motherland. The government will cover the repatriation and funeral expenses,” he said.
Manet noted that throughout the night of October 7, the government had managed to get in touch with most of the Cambodian citizens and students in Israel, with three out of four students – one of them the deceased – having been evacuated out of the red zone to a safe place and were now staying with Cambodian consular officials.
The prime minister said the Kingdom’s foreign and agriculture ministries are working constantly with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all Cambodian citizens there.
“I reiterate my call for our citizens to keep themselves safe and follow the instructions of the Israeli authorities on the ground amid this ongoing clash and highly volatile situation,” he said.