Russian diplomats helped several dozen Russian and Palestinian nationals flee from Gaza City as Israel launched a major ground offensive this week, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Around 50 people were escorted out of the enclave on Wednesday with assistance from Russia’s mission to the Palestinian Authority and its embassy in Jordan, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the state news agency TASS.
Zakharova said 26 Russian and 24 Palestinian nationals were among the group, which included 25 minors and 11 women.
The group crossed into Egypt at the Kerem Shalom checkpoint before being transferred to Jordan through the Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge.
One of the people brought to safety told the RIA Novosti news agency that Russian diplomats had booked onward flights to Moscow, with his family planning to continue to St. Petersburg.
Israel launched its assault on Gaza City on Tuesday despite growing international condemnation of its war in the Palestinian territory. UN experts this week accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the Gaza Strip, a charge Israel dismissed as “distorted and false.”
The UN estimated in August that around 1 million people were living in Gaza City and nearby areas, while Israel claims roughly 350,000 people have fled.
Health officials in Gaza said on Thursday afternoon that at least 79 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes or gunfire across the territory over the past 24 hours.
AFP contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
