17 Kazakhstanis decide not to leave Gaza Strip

17 nationals of Kazakhstan and members of their families remain in the Gaza Strip, First Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Omarov said Wednesday, Kazinform News Agency reports.

“17 citizens of Kazakhstan and members of their families, a total of 60 people, including minors, decided to stay in the Gaza Strip,” Kairat Omarov said.

As for Kazakhstanis in Israel, who expressed their wish to leave, have already left on a special repatriation flight, noted Omarov, adding that those remaining in Israel stayed there for various reasons.

In his words, there is no threat to their lives and they can leave any time they want as a number of international airlines operate [in Israel].

The First Deputy Foreign Minister also said there are no plans to evacuate the staff of the Kazakh embassy in Israel as the Kazakh side hopes the conflict will be resolved peacefully.