Moscow, November 7 – Israel has not yet granted permission for the evacuation of Russians from Gaza, according to a diplomatic source. “Everything is ready for the evacuation of Russians, compatriots, and citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) from Gaza. Unfortunately, there is no agreement from the Israeli side, which is coordinating the lists of those leaving through the Rafah Crossing,” the source told the agency. The Russian embassy has repeatedly raised this issue with Tel Aviv and received assurances of a positive outcome. The source added that the evacuation of Russians from Gaza can be expected in the coming days.
Last week, Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov stated that around 600 Russians were included in the lists for departure from the Gaza Strip. He noted that Moscow is waiting for a signal from the Egyptian authorities on when the evacuation can be conducted through the Rafah Crossing. Russian diplomats from Cairo will be sent to facilitate the operation, with buses and planes being utilized.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is rooted in territorial interests and has remained a source of tension and clashes in the Middle East for decades. The United Nations, with active involvement from the Soviet Union in 1947, decided to establish two states – Palestine and Israel – but only the latter was created. A new phase of confrontation began after Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7. Following the intensive shelling, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas in the south of the Jewish state, opening fire on both military and civilian targets and taking hostages. The military wing of the Hamas movement, the “Al-Qassam Brigades,” announced the launch of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched the “Iron Swords” operation in the Gaza Strip. Over the course of several days after the attack, Israeli forces gained control of all border towns and began conducting airstrikes on various targets, including civilian ones, within the enclave. Furthermore, Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza, suspending the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel. The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 8,800, with over 22,000 injuries reported. More than 1,400 people have died in Israel, including 20 Russians. Additionally, according to various estimates, around 240 people may be held captive by Hamas.
