The potential escalation of the Middle East conflict raises concerns for over 3,200 Russian citizens residing in Lebanon. This was conveyed by the Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, during an interview on Russia-24 TV channel.
Rudakov stated, "Undoubtedly, our compatriots, as well as ordinary Lebanese, are worried about what is happening. I hope that a large-scale escalation can still be avoided. Of course, we cannot say that there will be no negative scenario. In this case, there are certain risks for our citizens as well."
Furthermore, Rudakov noted that there are 3,247 Russians officially registered with the consular section of the Russian embassy, but the actual number of Russian citizens in the region is considerably higher.
The situation in the Middle East has sharply escalated following the infiltration of Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7. Hamas has described this attack as a response to Israeli actions concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Subsequently, Israel announced a complete blockade of Gaza and initiated airstrikes on the Strip, as well as on parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes have also occurred in the West Bank. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides. More than 3.4 thousand Palestinians were killed, more than 12 thousand were wounded, from the Israeli side of the conflict victims were up to 1.5 thousand people, more than 4.2 thousand were injured.
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Based on materials from TASS