Moscow calls on Hamas to release Russian hostage from Gaza

(CLO) A senior Russian official has called on the Hamas movement to fulfill its commitment to release a Russian citizen who has been held by the group since an attack on Israel in October 2023.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov raised the issue during talks in Moscow with Musa Abu Marzuk, a senior Hamas member, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The hostages who were released earlier on February 1, from left to right: Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel and Ofer Calderon. Photo: Bring Them Home

"The Russian side once again stressed the importance of fulfilling the commitments made by the Hamas leadership regarding the release of Russian citizen Alexander Trufanov and others detained in the Gaza Strip," the statement said.

In addition, Russia also stressed "the importance of continuing efforts to achieve unity among Palestinian factions".

Alexander Trufanov is among the hostages still being held in Gaza after being kidnapped from a kibbutz (Israeli agricultural settlement) during a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to Israeli media, Trufanov was kidnapped along with his mother, grandmother and girlfriend, while his father was murdered. Trufanov's relatives were released earlier, but he remains in Hamas custody.

On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages, while dozens of Palestinian prisoners and detainees were also exchanged in the latest phase of a ceasefire aimed at ending the 15-month war in Gaza.

Russia is one of the few countries that maintains relations with all major parties in the Middle East, including Israel, Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Moscow has repeatedly played a mediating role in regional negotiations and continues to promote dialogue to de-escalate the conflict.

Cao Phong (according to AJ, BBC, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/moscow-keu-goi-hamas-tha-con-tin-nguoi-nga-khoi-gaza-post332913.html