Kremlin: Diplomats are clarifying the fate of Russians in Israel and Palestine

Russian diplomats are making “vigorous efforts” to find out information about possible Russians killed or injured during the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, said Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov.

He explained that at the moment the Russian Embassy in Israel does not have any information about the injured Russians. “Very energetic efforts, as far as we know, are being made by our embassy on the ground. Diplomats work around the clock,” he said.

Peskov also drew attention to another aspect, adding that diplomats are working with the Palestinian authorities. “Because several thousand of our fellow citizens live on the territory of the PNA. Therefore, now it is very important to understand what is happening to these citizens, whether their lives are in danger, whether there are victims who need some kind of help, assistance, etc. Therefore, very energetic efforts are being made now,” Peskov added.

October 8, Israeli Ambassador to Moscow Alexander Ben Zvi reportedthat among those abducted by the Palestinian group Hamas there could be Russian citizens, but there was no exact data at that time. He also clarified that there were no reports of Russians among the hostages.

On the morning of October 7, Hamas began military operations against Israel. The Israeli Army (IDF) responded by launching Operation Iron Swords, and the Israeli government announced that the country had entered a state of war.

According to Israeli media, more than 700 citizens of the country were killed as a result of the Hamas attack on Israel. There were also reports of mass kidnappings of Israelis and visitors to the country. Search and Rescue Organization Zaka discovered at least 260 bodies in the kibbutz (commune) Reim near the border with the Gaza Strip, where the Nature Party music festival took place on the night of October 6-7

In Palestine, more than 400 people were reported dead and about 2,200 injured as a result of the Israeli response.