Moscow, November 19 – A special aircraft from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MCHS) carrying the fifth group of evacuees from the Gaza Strip has departed from Cairo to Moscow, as reported in a statement from the ministry’s Telegram channel. The publication stated, “The MCHS special aircraft has departed from Cairo to Moscow. An Il-76 plane is bringing back 117 compatriots to Russia.” During the journey, the evacuees will be accompanied by medical and psychological personnel. The previous four groups of evacuees have also returned to their homeland through the efforts of the MCHS staff. Earlier today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Russia has evacuated 558 compatriots out of the 900 who sought assistance from the Gaza Strip. Among them, 408 have already been brought back to the homeland. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is rooted in territorial interests and has remained a source of tension and conflict in the region for decades. The United Nations, with the active role of the Soviet Union in 1947, decided to establish two states – Israel and Palestine, but only Israel came into existence. A new phase of confrontation began after Hamas forces from the Gaza Strip fired at the Jewish state and infiltrated the border areas in the south of the country on the morning of October 7, targeting both military and civilian personnel and taking hostages. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation “Iron Swords” in the Gaza Strip. Within a few days of the attack, the IDF took control of all populated areas near the border and began conducting airstrikes on various targets, including civilian structures, within the enclave. In addition, Tel Aviv announced a complete blockade of Gaza, halting the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel. The death toll in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 12,000, with over 30,000 people injured. In Israel, more than 1,400 people have died, including 20 Russians.
