Hamas expressed readiness to release eight hostages at the request of the Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed over to the Palestinian Hamas movement a list of eight Russians who may be among the hostages.

Hamas has announced its readiness to release people from the list.

This was reported with reference to the head of the Hamas external relations department, Musa Abu Marzouk.

How Hamas responded to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s request

According to Marzuk, the Russian Foreign Ministry handed over a list of eight Russians with dual citizenship, Hamas is attentive to this request.

Because we look at Russia as our closest friend, – said a representative of the movement.

According to him, Hamas treats captured civilians as guests.

Now we are looking for those people. It’s difficult, but we are looking. And as soon as we find it, we’ll let you go, – Marzuk assured.

Exacerbation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

On October 7, the military wing of Hamas announced an operation against Israel called the Al-Aqsa Flood. After a large-scale rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, Hamas fighters infiltrated the southern border areas of Israel.

Israel responded by launching Operation Iron Swords in Gaza. Within a few days, the Israeli Defense Forces took control of all settlements in the border area and began carrying out airstrikes on the enclave.

Israel also organized a complete blockade of the sector, suspending the supply of electricity, fuel, water, food and medicine.

The night before, Israel announced an expansion of the operation in Gaza.

The number of deaths in the sector exceeded 7,300, and about 20,000 were wounded. More than 1,400 people were killed on the Israeli side. According to various estimates, up to 250 people may be held captive by Hamas.