Russia has completed all the necessary preparations for the evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip; and is now awaiting the opening of the Rafah border crossing. Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov announced that at a press conference.
"We are closely monitoring the evolving situation on the ground, with a focus on the potential evacuation of Russian citizens who have sought assistance from the conflict zone. Our primary concern lies in the Gaza Strip, where the primary hostilities are currently centered. Russia has taken all necessary preparatory measures, and we are awaiting the opening of the Rafah border crossing in the southern part of the Gaza Strip," stated the diplomat.
"As for Israel, there remains an opportunity for our citizens, as well as citizens of other countries, who may wish to leave for various reasons. Regular flights continue to operate from Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport, and Israeli airspace remains open to civilian airlines," added the ambassador.
"As a result of the Israel Defense Forces' aggression in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave, or what we commonly refer to as the semi-enclave, approximately one million or more Gaza Strip residents have moved closer to the southern region," - he observed. - "Among them, our estimates suggest there are around a thousand Russian citizens, as well as citizens from other CIS countries and their family members, all awaiting our signal for when it will be feasible to cross the Rafah border."
The diplomat emphasized that the situation in the southern Gaza Strip has reached a point that can be described as "close to catastrophic." He noted, "According to some reports, the Israeli authorities have, at least partially, authorized the provision of water and electricity in light of the humanitarian crisis." Furthermore, the ambassador mentioned, "UN agencies, the International Red Cross, and other humanitarian organizations are making considerable efforts to assist the affected population. To put it plainly, the situation is on the brink of chaos and near catastrophe, and it's uncertain whether it can be resolved today."
"Let me reiterate," Viktorov summarized, "the primary goal is to halt the military conflict, establish a ceasefire, as only through this means can the problem be effectively addressed."
The Russian side is currently in discussions with both Egypt and Israel regarding the reopening of the Rafah checkpoint. "As of now, the Rafah checkpoint remains inactive, and efforts are ongoing to resolve this matter with both Egyptian and Israeli authorities," Viktorov said.
The situation in the Middle East escalated significantly after militants from the Palestinian movement Hamas crossed from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7. Hamas views this incursion as a response to Israeli actions concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In response, Israel has imposed a full blockade on the Gaza Strip and initiated military operations in Gaza, as well as in parts of Lebanon and Syria. Additionally, clashes have erupted in the West Bank along the Jordan River.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Al Jazeera English/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS