The Russian embassy in Israel issued an unusual statement on Wednesday, saying: "We will continue to work to ensure that grandchildren of Holocaust survivors still held in the Gaza Strip can also return home as soon as possible."
The 13 abductees released in the second phase are transferred to the Red Cross // Photo: Use in accordance with section 27A of the Copyright Law
The announcement came following conversations between Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel and the Russian ambassador, in which she presented him with the stories of the abductees. According to the embassy's announcement, this pressure led to Yaffa Adar's release from Hamas captivity in the first phase.
Yaffa Adar after her release from captivity in Gaza, photo: IDF Spokesperson, courtesy of the families
"We were very pleased to learn that among the Israelis held in the Gaza Strip who were handed over to the Israeli authorities on November 24 was Yaffa Adar, an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor. We sincerely welcome her release and note that this was made possible, among other things, due to the persistent efforts of Russian elements in close cooperation with the Israeli side, in particular with Israel's Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, and other stakeholders in the region."
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