Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Putin Calls for Aid to Gaza and Declares Evacuation of Russian Citizens a 'Sacred Duty'"


Wed 22 Nov 2023 | 02:20 PM
By Ahmad El-Assasy

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared the evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip a "sacred duty" and has called for assistance to the people of Gaza. 

This statement was made during a meeting with cabinet members, highlighting the importance of the humanitarian mission in the region.

Main Content:

1. Putin's Commitment to Russian Citizens:

Emphasizing the humanitarian and noble nature of the mission, President Putin stressed the need to assist those suffering from the current events in Gaza. 

He described the evacuation of Russian nationals as a sacred obligation, particularly given the challenging circumstances in the region.

2. The Situation in Gaza:

Putin highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where approximately 900 people, including 639 Russian citizens, have sought evacuation assistance. The rest are relatives of these citizens, indicating the wide impact of the situation.

3. Emergency Minister's Role:

Russian Emergency Minister Alexander Kurenkov reported that another humanitarian aid flight is scheduled to depart on November 23. 

He noted that Russia has already sent over 245 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the next shipment weighing around 28 tons. 

This aid, including essential food items, hygiene products, and medicines, was sourced from various regions across Russia.

4. Israeli Government's Ceasefire Agreement:

The Israeli government officially approved a temporary ceasefire in Gaza following two meetings of the war council and the extended government. The agreement includes a limited prisoner exchange with Hamas.

5. Details of the Prisoner Exchange:

The deal involves the exchange of 50 women and children from Gaza for Palestinian women and children held by Israel. 

The Qatari Foreign Ministry noted that more releases would follow in later stages of the agreement. 

The truce will also allow more relief aid into Gaza, including fuel for humanitarian needs.

6. Hamas's Response and U.S. Expectations:

Hamas confirmed that the terms of the agreement were formulated according to the vision and constraints of the resistance, vowing to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official expressed hopes for the release of over 50 prisoners, including three American women, and a ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border.

President Putin's call for aid to Gaza and his emphasis on the sacred duty of evacuating Russian citizens reflect the international concern and involvement in the region's ongoing crisis. 

The unfolding events in Gaza continue to draw global attention, underscoring the need for humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and stability.