Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Main Intelligence Directorate evacuated 57 people from the Gaza Strip, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported on 30 September. The group included 48 Ukrainian citizens, 9 Palestinians, and 16 children.
The evacuation took place from an active combat zone. Two of the evacuees sustained injuries: a 26-year-old Ukrainian and a 58-year-old Palestinian. Both received medical assistance.
The evacuees have arrived in Moldova and will travel by bus to Ukraine to reunite with their families.
"We thank everyone who helped with this operation. We are particularly grateful to Israel, Jordan, and Moldova for their assistance with logistics, transit, and allowances," Sybiha said.
The evacuation was carried out on the orders of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Situation in the Gaza Strip
On 7 October 2023, Hamas militants invaded Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, taking control of several border settlements and capturing dozens of hostages. Israel launched a counter-terrorism operation in response. The military action created a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave and resulted in hundreds of deaths.
On 15 January 2025, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement that took effect on 19 January 2025. The deal consisted of three sequential phases, with the first phase covering a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of the Gaza Strip, and release of some hostages. On 18 March 2025, the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Forces announced the resumption of fire in the Gaza Strip.
On 17 May, the Israel Defense Forces announced a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave to eliminate Hamas and free hostages. Palestine reported 146 deaths. Fighting continues.
On 30 May, US President Donald Trump stated that Israel and Hamas were close to reaching a 60-day ceasefire agreement.
On 8 August, Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. This came hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to establish military control over the entire enclave.
On 10 August, Israel launched an offensive operation in the Gaza Strip to gain control of Gaza City. Initially, the Israeli government and military reported they did not intend to "occupy" Gaza, stating that control was necessary to free hostages following the events of 7 October 2023. As of September 5, Israel claims to control 40% of Gaza City.
Palestinians are leaving Gaza due to Israeli attacks. The Israeli military reports that more than 250,000 people have left the city. The Gaza Strip is located on a narrow strip on the eastern coast of the Levantine Sea, bordered by Egypt to the south and surrounded by Israel to the east and north.
On 20 August, Israeli forces began the second phase of a ground operation called "Chariots of Gideon" in Gaza City and already controlled its outskirts.
On 15 September, Israeli forces launched a ground invasion of Gaza. Tanks entered the city.
Palestine is a partially recognized state in the Middle East. The State of Palestine was declared in 1988. The country's government does not fully control the territories it claims, including the Gaza Strip. Much of the West Bank territory is controlled by the Israeli military, and Israel considers East Jerusalem its territory.
