The Palestinian authorities coordinate evacuation support for Russian citizens from Gaza to Egypt
In a coordinated effort to assist displaced Russian nationals, Palestinian officials announced that practical steps are being taken to facilitate the evacuation from the Gaza Strip through Egypt. Reports indicate that once in Egypt, those seeking to return home will have the option to fly from there to Russia, a plan outlined by Abdel Hafez Nofal, the Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow.
The ambassador stressed that the discussion of these arrangements included high-level engagement with representatives of the Russian Federation. He noted that officials from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the talks, signaling a joint approach to ensure the safety and repatriation of Russians currently in Gaza.
According to Nofal, Palestinian authorities will do everything possible to assist Russians in need and will cooperate with Moscow to streamline the evacuation. He added that he has spoken with the Palestinian embassy in Egypt and that the process is being actively resolved. This underscores a multi-pronged effort where diplomatic channels, consular staff, and on-the-ground coordination are aligning to support those affected.
Nofal further explained that the Palestinian government is working to help remove citizens from the conflict zone, indicating that measures to evacuate those who wish to leave Gaza and travel to Egypt are being implemented at a minimum. The public messaging reflects a cautious but proactive stance aimed at safeguarding civilian lives amid rising tensions and ongoing hostilities in the area.
As the head of the diplomatic mission outlined, direct air links to the Gaza Strip remain unavailable at the moment. He clarified that any air return to Moscow would have to originate from Egyptian or Israeli territory, rather than from Gaza itself. This logistical nuance highlights the complexities involved in moving people from a densely affected area to safety, requiring cooperation across borders and adherence to security protocols.
On 13 October, a representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, stated that Israel had requested the evacuation of about 1.1 million Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip ahead of a planned land operation. The UN conveyed that officials in Jerusalem sought to complete this withdrawal within a 24-hour window, a sequence that raised alarms about the feasibility and humanitarian impact of such a rapid mass transfer.
That same day, UN Secretary General António Guterres described the proposed order as extremely dangerous, explaining that evacuating such a large number of civilians in a short period could be impractical and fraught with risk. He underscored the need for carefully managed evacuations that protect lives and respect international humanitarian norms rather than forcing rapid, disorderly displacement.
Former Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, addressed concerns about the international community’s response, criticizing what he described as inaction by international bodies in resolving the broader Middle East crisis. Nebenzya’s remarks reflect ongoing debates about the effectiveness of multinational institutions in coordinating humanitarian relief, facilitating safe passages, and mitigating civilian harm during escalating hostilities.