Citizens of Russia currently located in Israel and Palestine are encouraged to reach out to Russian diplomatic services proactively. This guidance came from Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary to the Kremlin, during a routine briefing with journalists. The message was clear: Russians should inform Moscow representations about their situation directly and without hesitation. Peskov welcomed such initiative, stating that it would be beneficial for citizens to engage with foreign missions and keep channels of communication open. This emphasis on self-reporting reflects Moscow’s preference for direct and timely information flow from its nationals abroad.
During the briefing, Peskov also outlined Russia’s stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, stressing a measured and balanced approach. He described Moscow as maintaining ongoing dialogue with both parties, underscoring the importance of avoiding escalations while pursuing diplomatic channels. The Kremlin’s priority remains ensuring the safety of Russian citizens in the region, a point he reiterated given the presence of nationals in both Israel and Palestinian territories.
In the latest developments from the region on October 7, militant actions by Hamas triggered a broad military response, with thousands of rockets fired toward Israel and subsequent operations announced by Israeli authorities. The incident prompted Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to declare a state of emergency within the country, highlighting the severity of the security situation.
Around the same timeframe, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly affirmed that Israel and Palestine were entering a state of armed conflict, while the Israeli military announced the initiation of Operation Iron Sword, targeting the Gaza Strip. These moves marked a significant escalation and signaled a shift in regional security dynamics.
Earlier reporting noted dialogue at the leadership level, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressing an intention to engage in telephone discussions with the Russian leadership under President Vladimir Putin. This prospective conversation underscored the intertwined nature of regional diplomacy and the broader geopolitical considerations that influence Moscow’s approach to events in the Middle East.