Twenty-one citizens of Ukraine have been confirmed dead in Israel and one has gone missing amid the ongoing escalation with the Hamas, Ukrinform reported citing the country’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko.

"Unfortunately, the number of victims among Ukrainians in Israel has increased. In total, we currently have confirmed 21 Ukrainians dead, as well as one gone missing. In the Gaza Strip, there are three dead (two children and an adult), as well as six wounded, of whom three are children. Citizens have suffered injuries of varying severity. They are being provided with medical assistance," said Nikolenko.

He also reported that 357 Ukrainians, including 208 women, expressed their will to evacuate the Palestinian enclave. Ukrainian diplomatic institutions are in constant contact with them. At the same time, the Rafah checkpoint on the border of the Gaza Strip and Egypt has been shut down, and it is currently impossible to cross out, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted.

"This applies not only to our citizens, but also to citizens of other states. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, together with its partners, is working with the parties involved to obtain permission to evacuate our people as soon as possible," the diplomat added.