Palestine’s ambassador to Russia, Abdel Hafez Nofal, has highlighted ongoing channels of communication between the Palestinian authorities and Moscow. In recent discussions, Nofal underscored that dialogue remains constant and transparent, with Palestinian officials closely monitoring statements emerging from Russian diplomatic circles. The ambassador stressed that the core lines of contact are kept open through formal channels and high-level exchanges, ensuring that both sides stay aligned on developments that affect regional stability and bilateral relations. The message conveyed is one of steady engagement, built on mutual interest and a commitment to peaceful resolution, even as the broader regional situation continues to evolve and present new complexities for both governments and their citizens.
Nofal was quoted as saying that daily exchanges are a normal part of the relationship. He indicated that Palestinian officials pay close attention to statements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as remarks from senior Russian diplomats regarding the Middle East crisis. The ambassador noted that such statements help frame official positions, inform diplomatic posture, and guide humanitarian considerations for affected populations. This pattern of communication reflects a steady attempt to synchronize efforts at both governmental levels, ensuring that public messaging remains coherent and that any potential channels for de-escalation are explored promptly. The emphasis is on responsible diplomacy and consistent messaging that can support regional actors in finding a viable path forward.
Earlier remarks from Nofal touched on the stance of Hamas. He indicated that Hamas did not publicly commit to releasing hostages at that time, and he reaffirmed Palestine’s expectation that Russia and China could play constructive roles in encouraging restraint and facilitating dialogue. The diplomat articulated a view that international partnerships with major regional powers can contribute to stabilizing the situation, reducing tensions, and creating space for negotiations that address humanitarian concerns, security needs, and the broader political questions fueling the conflict. The tone of these comments reflected a belief in multi-lateral effort and the value of sustained international engagement to prevent further deterioration and to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.
In related diplomatic activity, Nofal noted that the Palestinian government offered to assist in the evacuation of Russian citizens located in the Gaza Strip and seeking to reach Egypt. He described recent conversations with representatives of the Russian Federation, with officials from both sides participating in the discussions, including staff from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The remarks highlight the humanitarian dimension of the current crisis, where evacuation plans for foreign nationals intersect with broader security and humanitarian corridors. The statements conveyed a practical approach to cooperation and a willingness to coordinate practical steps that can reduce risk for foreign residents while authorities manage the safety of all civilians in the region.
On October 13, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric disclosed that Israel had requested the evacuation of approximately 1.1 million Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip in advance of a potential ground operation. The UN reported that the withdrawal should be completed within a tight 24-hour window, underscoring the urgency and the severe constraints facing humanitarian agencies. The announcement drew attention to the pressures on international organizations to facilitate safe and orderly departures, protect civilians, and monitor compliance with international humanitarian law amid rapidly shifting security circumstances. The briefing also reflected the broader concern of world bodies regarding the impact of military actions on civilian populations and the necessity of rapid, well-coordinated humanitarian relief and evacuation efforts.
Vasily Nebenzya, who formerly served as the Russian Federation’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, commented on what he described as the international community’s inaction in resolving the Middle East crisis. Nebenzya’s remarks pointed to the frustration within some official circles about the pace and effectiveness of multilateral responses. He suggested that more decisive steps and clearer coordination among major powers could change the dynamics on the ground, potentially opening new avenues for diplomacy and humanitarian access. The dialogue around Nebenzya’s assessment reflects ongoing debates among international actors about how best to balance strategic interests with humanitarian imperatives and how to translate diplomatic rhetoric into concrete actions that can ease suffering and create real openings for de-escalation.