Media: Israel seeks Russia's assistance in hostage negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has revealed that Israel sought Russia's assistance in advancing negotiations for the release of hostages from Gaza.

This move comes amid slow progress in truce efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt with Hamas. Netanyahu's military secretary returned from Moscow on September 1 morning after discussing the hostage situation with Russian officials. The Russian government has been in communication with Hamas regarding hostages who hold Russian citizenship, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

On August 25, an Israeli delegation traveled to Cairo for negotiations on a hostage release deal. The delegation, led by Mossad chief David Barnea, included Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) head Ronen Bar, and reserve Major General Nitzan Alon, who serves as the coordinator for hostage exchanges.