A large group of Tongans from New Zealand, Australia and Tonga have had their "magical" pilgrimage through the Holy Land turn to horror after conflict broke out between Hamas and Israel.
New Zealand-Tonga tourist Pesi Sikalau and a group of about 50 Tongans arrived in Israel on Tuesday last week to begin their pilgrimage through the holy land.
Before the conflict cut the group's tour short Sikalau told Newshub she'd "loved every single moment" of the tour.
"It's been a magical experience, we've literally loved every single moment that we've been here."
The group had just finished getting baptised in The Jordan River, in what Sikalau described as a "magical" experience.
But while getting ready in the changing rooms after their baptism they were told to get on the tour bus.
"We were all on the bus when they had announced that the war had broken out and then the day's activities were cancelled."
Speaking with Newshub's Europe Correspondent Lisette Reymer, Sikalau said the news of the conflict didn't seem real until they began watching the news back at their hotel.
"Obviously, we were on a high from everything, then war breaking out was like 'what?'."
Sikalau said she and the group were thankful to have a tour guide who was cautious and trustworthy.
"He was very open and honest with us about all the steps in what was going on and how he was going to keep us safe, so we were really blessed honestly."
Simaima Nginingini is on the same tour, she told Newshub it's an experience she's never endured before and a "scary" one too.
"I did not expect it."
Priorities have now changed for the group to keep themselves safe, Sikalau said "our safety, our security is priority at the moment".
"Just making it back to New Zealand, back to our loved ones who are worried sick for us, so we're just really trying to get home safe."
The group's flight out of Israel back to Aotearoa was initially cancelled, though luckily for Sikalau and the group a flight reopened for Thursday.
"So [we're] praying and hoping that all will go well, that our transport and everything, our transfer, our layovers will all go smoothly, and we'll be able to be on New Zealand soil."
Nginingini said when she heard the news a flight was available to fly home it felt like "I've just won Lotto".
"Cannot wait to go back to New Zealand to see my children and the family."
Staying inside
The group have been making a conscious effort to not watch the news since the conflict broke out, to keep "our sanity".
Sikalau and the group have spent time together inside, trying to keep each other's spirits up at a time of fear and uncertainty.
"We've been having devotions every morning, every evening, praying together, worshiping, and just really encouraging our faith with each other."
The group's tour guide told them all to stay inside and that's what they'll do.
"When you're outside you don't know where to take shelter, you don't know where to go so I think I feel so much safer here," she said.
Watch the full video above for more.
