MOSCOW, November 13. /TASS/. Russian presidential envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met on Monday with Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi to discuss issues of ensuring safe evacuation of Russian nationals from the Gaza Strip and the release of Hamas-held hostages, with Russians being among them.

"The sides reiterated the importance of active Russian-Israeli contacts in the interests of ensuring safe exit of all Russian nationals who want to leave the Gaza Strip, as well as releasing hostages held by Hamas, including those having Russian citizenship," the Russian foreign ministry said, adding that the meeting was held at the request of the Israeli side.

Russia’s emergencies ministry jointly with Russian diplomats are actively working to evacuate Russians from the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, 70 Russian nationals, including 28 children, crossed into Egypt via the Rafah checkpoint and 98 - on Monday. Thus, as many as 168 Russians have been evacuated over the past two days.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier that the lists of those willing to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip have more than 1,000 names. There are "both Russians and compatriots, as well as 300 minors" among them.