Hamas ready to prioritize release of two Russian citizens

The Palestinian group Hamas has expressed its readiness to prioritize the release of two Russian citizens held captive, but this can only happen within the framework of a prisoner exchange deal with Israel.

The announcement came from Musa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of the movement's politburo, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Marzouk confirmed that Russia had earlier requested the release of four individuals with Russian citizenship who are currently in Hamas' custody. "We released two civilians without compensation. The remaining two captives are Israeli soldiers," he stated.

One of the captives is Alexander Trufanov, who holds dual Russian and Israeli citizenship. He was captured during the recent fighting. The second captive, Maxim Kharkin, originally had Ukrainian citizenship, but his family secured a Russian passport for him, hoping that Russia would help negotiate his release.

On October 23,  Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with Musa Abu Marzouk in Moscow to discuss the situation surrounding Israeli hostages and developments in the Gaza Strip. 

The Gaza Strip's health ministry revealed on October 22 that more than 100,282 Palestinians have been injured since the beginning of Israel's military operations in October 2023. Additionally, over 42,700 people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict, the ministry reported.

Previously, on October 18, Khalil al-Haya, another deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, stated that the movement plans to release hostages, but only after Israel halts its military aggression against the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave and the release of Hamas' "captured heroes" would be conditions for any release of hostages.

By Tamilla Hasanova