Putin Orders Evacuation of Russian and Former Soviet Citizens from Gaza Strip Amid "Armed Conflict"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the evacuation of Russian citizens and citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS, a group of former Soviet countries) from the Gaza Strip, where armed conflict between Israel and Palestine continues.

According to Interfax news agency, on the 20th (local time), President Putin issued a presidential decree stating, "In connection with the rapid deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli military operation, consider measures to evacuate Russian citizens and CIS citizens staying there if they wish." He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, to decide on the specific timing and methods of evacuation.

In the Gaza Strip, the 11th day of rocket attacks by the Palestinian armed faction Hamas and Israeli airstrikes has resulted in increasing casualties on both sides. According to Gaza health authorities, despite international efforts to mediate a ceasefire, the clashes have continued, raising the death toll in Gaza to 230 as of today. Among them, 65 are confirmed children. The number of injured has reached 1,710.

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