50 citizens of Moldova from Gaza Strip requested assistance and eventual evacuation from conflict zone

Chisinau, Oct. 14 /MOLDPRES/- The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Tel-Aviv contacted the Moldovan citizens in the Gaza Strip and received 50 requests for assistance and eventual evacuation. Moldovan Ambassador to Israel Alex Roitman, together with the Embassy team, maintains permanent contact with them.

According to the MAEIE press service, the Rafah crossing point, on the border with the Arab Republic of Egypt, is currently the only evacuation point for more than two million people from the Gaza Strip. The situation remains complex, particularly due to continued rocket attacks and uncertainty over the functioning of the crossing point.

Through diplomatic channels, the Moldovan authorities are in permanent contact with decision-makers from Israel and Egypt, but also other countries in the region regarding the evacuation of its citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and all diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova - especially those in Israel and Turkey, accredited by the cumul and in Egypt, make considerable diplomatic efforts, having constant communication with the ambassadors of Egypt in the countries of accreditation. Also, Moldovan diplomatic teams are constantly discussing with partner countries - the USA, Romania, Ukraine and others, in order to negotiate with the Egyptian authorities in order to facilitate the transit of civilians, including Moldovan citizens, through the Rafah crossing point.

Also, contact is maintained with the General Directorate of Civil Protection and European Humanitarian Operations (ECHO) in order to receive support in the process of bringing back our citizens from the conflict zone. ECHO has expressed readiness to provide the necessary assistance in this context.

In order to intensify the assistance efforts, a consular official of the MFAIE traveled to Cairo on 12 October. While the diplomats are conducting negotiations, he is preparing to welcome our citizens at the Rafah crossing point, being prepared to issue travel documents for people who do not hold passports and facilitate their transit to Cairo and, subsequently, to the Republic of Moldova.

On October 13, 121 Moldovan citizens returned to the Republic of Moldova, via Tel Aviv - Chisinau flights. Also yesterday, 59 Moldovan citizens left for Israel.