People who lost their homes and suffered due to HAMAS actions have found refuge in the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, announced Sergei Stepashin, the head of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society (IOPS), on Monday while addressing the XXV World Russian People's Council.

"At the Russian Compound, we have accommodated those who suffered from HAMAS actions, those who lost their homes. They live there, and we do not distinguish between Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Orthodox Christians - and that is our strength," said Stepashin. He added that the IOPS, together with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), is actively providing assistance to Russian citizens compelled to leave the Gaza Strip.

The XXV World Russian People's Council, focusing on themes such as migration, education, demography, ideology, and economics, is taking place in Moscow on November 27-28. It serves as a platform for religious figures, public figures, scholars, and officials to engage in discussions.

The Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society was established in 1882 by Emperor Alexander III. Its main goals include preserving cultural and historical heritage, strengthening Russia's ties with the Middle East, supporting Orthodox pilgrimages to the Holy Land, promoting Orthodox Oriental studies, and humanitarian and educational cooperation. Since 2014, the Palestinian Society has been collecting humanitarian aid for the Syrian people and is now participating in assisting those affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.