All preparations for evacuating Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip have been completed, yet there is no signed agreement from Israel. This update comes from TASS, citing a diplomatic source familiar with the talks. The message is clear: logistics are ready, but the final authorization from the Israeli side remains elusive, delaying the coordinated removal of Russians and other CIS nationals stranded near the Rafah crossing.
The spokesperson offered a detailed account of the situation, noting that everything is set for the evacuation of Russians and other CIS citizens from Gaza. The critical snag is the lack of formal alignment on the lists of evacuees that would be cleared for departure at Rafah. The Russian Embassy has repeatedly raised the issue, receiving assurances that it will be resolved positively, yet no concrete agreement has materialized so far. In such cases, the practical steps depend on timely cooperation from host authorities, and the current standstill underscores the fragility of humanitarian corridors in conflict zones.
On November 3, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov urged Israeli authorities to act promptly, stressing that Russian citizens should be granted the necessary permissions to leave Gaza. He announced that the Rafah crossing, located at the border between the Palestinian territories and Egypt, would function as a transit point to facilitate the evacuation of those who have been approved to depart. The call to action from senior diplomats highlights the urgency of establishing a safe, reliable route for evacuees amid volatile conditions on the ground.
Subsequently, Aliya Zaripova, the press secretary for the Russian mission in the Palestinian National Authority, confirmed the ongoing negotiations and the arrangements in principle. She provided an update on where people should assemble in case evacuation from Gaza proceeds. According to her remarks, evacuees would be directed to a specifically designated area at the Rafah checkpoint, with instructions designed to minimize confusion and maintain orderly movement through the border crossing in a high-stress environment.
The broader context of the situation involves long-standing tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which periodically flare into renewed violence. Analysts have pointed to a range of contributing factors, including political calculations, security concerns, and the humanitarian needs of civilians caught in contested zones. In this environment, evacuations require careful coordination among multiple parties to ensure that departures are orderly, safe, and consistent with international norms. The complexity of such operations is amplified by shifting conditions on the ground, the security status of crossing points, and the need to protect all travelers from the risks that accompany mass movements in conflict zones.