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Aleppo evacuation operation 'in last stages'

The evacuation of civilians and rebels from eastern Aleppo is in its "last stages," the International Committee of the Red Cross has said.

Around 34,000 people have been evacuated in the week-long rescue operation.

Over 4,000 rebel fighters left between Wednesday and Thursday to rebel-held western rural Aleppo, as per an agreement reached with the government.

Thousands are expected to be evacuated as the rescue operation continues throughout Friday, a Red Cross spokeswoman said.

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Boris Johnson: 'I hope Russia will see sense'

Boris Johnson speaks in the debate. Credit: House of Commons

Boris Johnson has said he hopes "Russia will see sense" and turn against President Assad in the Syrian civil war.

The Foreign Secretary continued that Russia and Iran "have the future of Syria in their hands".

"One day Aleppo will rise again and one day Britain will be amongst the countries that restore Aleppo to the greatness it once had.

"It may seem far off, but it will come all the faster if the Russians and the Iranians do the right thing and abandon their puppet and go forward with a peaceful and political solution which is the only way forward."

ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston offered his thoughts on Mr Johnson's speech.

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