Delegation from Hamas Visits Moscow for Talks on Release of Hostages
Moscow, October 26, 2023 – A delegation from Hamas visited Moscow on Thursday to discuss the release of foreign hostages, including Russian citizens, who are currently being held in Gaza by the militant group. According to Russian news agencies, the talks were held at the request of Hamas and were attended by senior Hamas member Abu Marzouk.
The Russian foreign ministry, as reported by TASS, stated that the discussions were held in line with Russia’s stance on the immediate release of foreign hostages in the Gaza Strip. The talks also covered issues related to the safe evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the Palestinian enclave.
Russia has established ties with all key players in the Middle East, including Israel, Iran, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas. Moscow has repeatedly blamed the ongoing crisis on the failure of U.S. diplomacy and has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, urging the resumption of talks to achieve a peaceful settlement.
In response to the talks, Hamas released a statement praising the efforts of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and the foreign ministry in ending what it called “the crimes of Israel that are supported by the West,” according to Russia’s RIA news agency.
Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to retaliate against Hamas for an attack on October 7, which claimed the lives of 1,400 people. Israel has conducted airstrikes in Gaza, imposed a siege on the enclave, and is considering a ground invasion. Palestinian authorities have reported more than 6,500 casualties.
Besides the Hamas delegation, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Baghiri Kani was also visiting Moscow. Baghiri Kani is Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, and Iran has been a strong supporter of Hamas in its conflict with Israel.
Further details about Baghiri Kani’s visit were not disclosed during the briefing.