Moscow, December 2 – The evacuation of Russians and their Palestinian relatives from the Gaza Strip has resumed, according to the Russian representation with the Palestinian National Administration. “On December 2, evacuation measures to remove Russian citizens and their close Palestinian relatives from the Gaza Strip have resumed. The process is taking place against the backdrop of renewed hostilities that started again after a week-long lull,” the statement said. The diplomatic mission noted that the evacuation is being complicated by strikes from the Israeli army on the enclave and its southern areas near the Rafah checkpoint. “Nevertheless, together with our colleagues from our embassies in Cairo and Tel Aviv, specialized units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as other agencies, we continue active work on the evacuation of Russian citizens and their family members from the conflict zone,” the representation emphasized.
Last week, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, stated that the absolute majority of those who registered for evacuation from Gaza to Russia have left the enclave. At the same time, according to her, it was possible to establish contact with dozens of citizens who previously could not communicate due to power outages and communication blockade. Later, the diplomat clarified that several hundred Russians are in Gaza and Egypt awaiting evacuation.
At the end of November, Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Qatar, agreed to a ceasefire for the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The ceasefire regime came into effect on the morning of November 24 and lasted until the morning of December 1. However, it was not possible to extend it: the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the Palestinian movement violated the agreements and opened fire on the territory of the Jewish state, so hostilities resumed in the Gaza Strip. During the ceasefire, 110 hostages were released. According to Israeli authorities, there are still 137 people in captivity of Hamas – 126 Israelis and 11 foreigners.
