Russia says it pressed Hamas to free hostages during Moscow delegation visit

Source: Reuters

Russia says it pressed Hamas to free hostages during Moscow delegation visit

Reuters
January 19, 2024 10:59 AM EST Updated 9 min ago

MOSCOW, Jan 19 (Reuters) - The Russian foreign ministry said on Friday it had received a delegation from the Hamas movement and had urged it to release hostages the group is holding in the Gaza strip, including three Russian nationals.

The ministry said in a statement that Mikhail Bogdanov, a deputy foreign minister, had received Hamas Politburo member Abu Marzouk.

"During the conversation, the focus was on the ongoing confrontation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, against the backdrop of which the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached catastrophic proportions," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The Russian side stressed the need for the speedy release of civilians captured during the attacks of 7 October 2023 and held by Palestinian factions, including three Russian citizens - A. Kozlov, A. Lobanov and A. Trufanov."

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-pressed-hamas-free-hostages-during-moscow-delegation-visit-2024-01-19/

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