Discussions on the release of hostages and evacuation of Russians in the Gazi district
Kremlin says there is no meeting with President Putin scheduled
Israeli Foreign Ministry condemns Russia for inviting Hamas
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 26th (local time) that a delegation from Hamas, a Palestinian armed faction at war with Israel, and Iran, which supports Hamas, is visiting the capital Moscow. They are not expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during their visit.
According to foreign media outlets such as AFP, CNN, and TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said this on this day.
A Hamas delegation held talks with a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official. They discussed the release of hostages held by Hamas and the evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip.
According to TASS, the Russian Foreign Ministry explained Russia’s position to Hamas, demanding “the immediate release of foreign hostages in the Gaza Strip.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry explained that they also discussed ensuring the evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from Palestine.
Hamas also released a statement, saying that a delegation including Musa Abu Marzuuk, a senior member of the Politburo, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov for talks. He explained that they discussed the Gaza Strip.
In addition, Hamas stated that it highly values President Vladimir Putin’s position.
Hamas reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov “expressed Russia’s position to support the rights of the Palestinian people.” He also added, “(Russia) has demonstrated efforts aimed at a ceasefire, including providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.”
Earlier this month, Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov said he wanted to meet Hamas representatives in Qatar to discuss the release of hostages. According to the Israeli government, at least six of the approximately 220 hostages being held by Lamas are Russian nationals.
The meeting between these delegations visiting Russia and President Putin is unlikely to take place.
Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced, “All contacts with the Hamas delegation currently visiting Moscow are conducted at the level of the Foreign Ministry,” adding, “President Putin has no plans to meet with the delegation.”
The Israeli government opposed Russia’s meeting with a senior Hamas official.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, emphasizing, “Israel condemns Russia for hosting a high-ranking Hamas official,” and added, “We demand the Russian government to immediately expel Hamas terrorists.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.