A group of 129 Romanian and Moldovan citizens landed Wednesday evening in the Romanian capital on a flight from Egypt after being evacuated from the Gaza Strip.
The specially chartered flight touched down at Base 90 at Bucharest’s Otopeni Airport around 10.00 p.m. local time. Some 36 Moldovan citizens were also on the flight, according to Romania’s foreign ministry.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu traveled with the evacuees and returned with them on the flight to Romania.
“I was overwhelmed to see the joy and hope in the eyes of the children who escaped the hell in Gaza,” Ciolacu wrote on Facebook after arriving in Egypt.
Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu said efforts were being made to „ensure safe passage” for 51 other Romanian citizens who are still in Gaza.
Glad to welcome 🇷🇴citizens&their families who landed in Bucharest today, after being evacuated from Gaza Strip. Efforts continue to ensure safe passage for the other RO citizens who are still in Gaza. Heartfelt thanks to our int’l partners who assisted us. @elicoh1 @MfaEgypt pic.twitter.com/mYKH2RVLdY
— Luminita Odobescu (@Odobes1Luminita) November 8, 2023
Six Romanians who hold dual Romanian-Israeli citizenship are among the hostages held by Hamas. Some five Romanian citizens have been confirmed killed since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
