Evacuations of civilians from Gaza continue, but as of today, no Romanian is on the list of those escaping the ordeal. Radu Filip, spokesperson for the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Digi24 that Israeli and Egyptian authorities determine who leaves Gaza, and he hopes that the 260 Romanians who have requested assistance will be evacuated soon.
“The process is ongoing, the border crossing point is operational, transit is still permitted for certain medical cases and for citizens from a limited number of states with communities in the Gaza Strip. The fact that they haven’t crossed yet doesn’t mean there is no hope for the near future,” Filip said.
“The way the transit through the border crossing point is organized is the responsibility of Israeli and Egyptian authorities, who decide on selection criteria as well as the order of priority for crossing at the Rafah border crossing,” he explained. “We remain in close contact with Israeli and Egyptian authorities for the evacuation of Romanian citizens who have requested our support. Israeli and Egyptian authorities have assured us that the border crossing point will continue to remain open for evacuations in the coming days, subject to the security situation, and the crisis cell of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains coordination with states taking similar steps for their own citizens, as well as with international organizations,” Filip added.
“During the course of yesterday, medical cases, personnel from international organizations, as well as citizens from certain states with limited communities in the Gaza Strip were given priority. We are talking about approximately 260 Romanian citizens and family members. Israeli and Egyptian authorities determine the selection criteria and the order of priority for crossing the border point. We remain in contact with them, ready to provide consular support for Romanian citizens who have requested evacuation. I hope this will happen as quickly as possible. As soon as we have this information, we will convey it to the citizens,” he added.
When asked about the three Romanian hostages held by Hamas, Filip said, “At this moment, I would not like to comment on their status, as discretion is required.” “The Romanian authorities have requested the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip, including those with Romanian citizenship,” he added.
Four citizens with Romanian-Israeli citizenship, taken hostages by Hamas
At the same time, late on Thursday, the Romanian MFA announced that another citizen with double citizenship, Israeli and Romania, residing in Israel, is taken hostage in Gaza Strip. “Following further checks conducted by Romanian authorities, based on information sent by the Israeli authorities, another citizen with Israeli-Romanian citizenship, residing in Israel, is taken hostage in Gaza Strip,” reads a MAE press release.
Overall, four such citizens, with dual citizenship, Israeli and Romanian, are currently taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
They can not be all Priests! How many are dual Nationals? Can someone tell us!!!