Foreign Ministry confirms five Palestinians in boat capsize in Mediterranean

Five Palestinians are among the scores of people who went missing on Wednesday in the Mediterranean after a boat crowded with people headed for Europe from Libya sank off neighbouring Tunisia, the Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry confirmed on Thursday.

The Ministry said in a press statement that five Palestinians who carry Syrian-issued travel documents were aboard the boat that was carrying almost 100 people trying to reach Europe before it capsized off the Tunisian port of Sfax.

It affirmed that it was following up on all details regarding the capsized boat and check on the health conditions of Palestinians who were aboard it.

Political advisor to the Foreign Minister, Ahmad al-Dik, said that the delegation dispatched by the Palestinian embassy in Tunis Sfax met two Palestinian women who were among the survivors and were taking care of their needs.

He added that the Palestinian ambassador to Tunisia Hayel Al-Fahoum was personally following up on this incident and making contacts with the competent authorities for more details on any other missing Palestinians.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA)