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Middle East conflict

Putin thanks Russian rescuers for evacuation of citizens from Middle East conflict zone

In a video address on the occasion of the Rescue Workers’ Day, the Russian president said Russian rescuers "prove with their deeds and achievements the high status and authority" of the Russian emergencies ministry

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Russian rescuers for their prompt evacuation of Russians from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone.

In a video address on the occasion of the Rescue Workers’ Day, the Russian president said Russian rescuers "prove with their deeds and achievements the high status and authority" of the Russian emergencies ministry (EMERCOM).

"In the shortest time possible, you evacuated our citizens from dangerous areas, including from the conflict zone in the Middle East," Putin said. "As before, many humanitarian operations have been carried out to deliver food, medicines, and basic necessities to the affected people. And not only in our country, but also in other parts of the world, because human grief has no nationality."

"I want to thank you for your professionalism and selflessness in carrying out the tasks you were set," the Russian leader added.

A total of 1,124 people were brought to Russia from November 13 to December 19, 643 of whom are Russian citizens. A total of 518 children were flown to Russia, 320 of whom are Russians. The Russian Emergencies Ministry's special flight delivered the last group of Russian citizens evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Moscow on December 18. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, further evacuation of Russians from Gaza will be conducted on an individual basis.

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