In southern Israel, a 27-year-old man named Andrei Kozlov remains unaccounted for after a security role at a music festival
Andrei Kozlov, originally from Sestroretsk, was working as a security guard at the Nature Party music festival in southern Israel when he disappeared. A Telegram channel associated with Puree reported the case, underscoring the concern surrounding his absence.
Prior to this incident, Kozlov had connections to St. Petersburg, where he spent time working in the city. Records indicate that he studied at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. In August 2022, he left Russia as part of a repatriation program aimed at pursuing studies in three dimensional design in Tel Aviv. He later lived and worked at a local Tel Aviv restaurant. A few weeks before the festival disappearance, Kozlov was offered a part time position at the event, an opportunity he accepted.
According to Mash and local reports, Kozlov was among individuals reportedly hidden in metal containers and thick bushes during what has been described as an occupation by Hamas militants. The last contact Kozlov had was at approximately 9:13 a.m. the day prior to the report. A third party quoted a relative saying there were threats in the area and a sense of danger, noting that the person was unsure of the next steps amid the unfolding crisis.
Earlier, a warning had been issued by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development advising Russians to avoid travel to Israel due to growing tensions and clashes with Hamas militants. In Israel, military authorities reported that Palestinian militants had infiltrated the country and announced the start of a counter-terrorism operation named Iron Swords. Since the early hours of October 7, Israeli territory has endured ongoing fire, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Tel Aviv where large gatherings were canceled. Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated that the Hamas movement had declared war on Israel and called up reserves. Detailed developments were reported in subsequent coverage by newspapers and media outlets, including a regional outlet discussing these events in depth.
Earlier remarks from Defense Minister Yoav Galant promised an “unprecedented response” to the Gaza Strip, a stance described as shaping an enduring and significant chapter in regional security. The evolving situation has drawn international attention, and observers continue to monitor how humanitarian and safety measures unfold for civilians and workers in affected areas.
As the situation develops, authorities and community sources stress the importance of verified information and careful reporting. The focus remains on locating Andrei Kozlov and ensuring the safety of all festival attendees and residents in the region, while tracking the broader security dynamics in the area. This report draws on multiple local sources and ongoing coverage to present a clear picture of the events surrounding the disappearance and the broader conflict context. (Newspapers.Ru)