RAMALLAH, Friday, March 15, 2019 (WAFA) – Palestine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Izzat Abdulhadi said that preliminary information indicates that some Palestinians are among the victims of the two mosque shootings in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

Speaking over the phone to WAFA, Abdulhadi said that he learned from the Palestinian community in New Zealand that at least a Palestinian was killed and several others were injured in the two mass shootings that resulted in the killing of 49 Muslim worshipers and wounding over 40 others in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

He added that the Palestinian embassy is liaising with the competent authorities in New Zealand to obtain official information on the Palestinian casualties and follow up on the issue of the conditions of the wounded.

He noted that the government of New Zealand has cancelled all remaining flights to Christchurch as the city grapples with the mass shooting.

He also noted that the investigation is still in progress and the government of New Zealand will issue more precise details on the victims on Saturday morning, pointing out that the time difference between Palestine and New Zealand is 11 hours.

The diplomat confirmed that a number of Palestinians live in Christchurch, but he has not identified their number.

He extended his condolences for the victims’ families and wished speedy recovery for the wounded.

K.F.