Four Russian citizens reported missing in Israel after Hamas attack

The Russian embassy in Israel has been contacted by relatives of nine Russians in Israel with whom the families are unable to establish contact. Four of the nine are listed as missing, the Russian embassy told RIA Novosti.

The embassy said that as of 4 p.m. (local time) on October 9, there was no confirmed information about Russian citizens who may have died in Israel.

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian embassy in Israel was making “very active efforts” to find information about Russian casualties and victims, adding that “[Russian] diplomats are also in contact with the Palestinian authorities.”

On the morning of October 7, Hamas militants, who control the Gaza Strip, attacked Israel. They fired about three thousand rockets and breached the border fence, fighting with the Israeli military and taking dozens of hostages. In response, the Israeli army launched massive strikes on the Gaza Strip. Israel has officially declared a state of war.