Russian authorities have announced their intention to continue efforts to free hostages held in the Gaza Strip who have Russian citizenship.
This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
The special representative of the Russian president for the Middle East and African countries, deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mikhail Bogdanov, in a meeting with the Israeli ambassador in Moscow, Simone Halperin, once again confirmed that the Russian side has aim to take new measures in this direction.
The Russian Foreign Ministry clarifies that during the conversation, Bogdanov spoke about the constant efforts of Russian diplomacy aimed at the release of Russian citizens held in Gaza. The ministry also highlighted that this humanitarian task is a priority in contacts with representatives of the political wing of Hamas. Work to free the hostages will continue, including through the channels of Russian embassies in the Middle East.
The meeting with the Israeli ambassador was also attended by Elena Trufanova, the mother of Alexander Trufanov, detained in the Gaza Strip and who has Russian citizenship. Official statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry on this issue often repeat similar formulations, noting the “goal” of the Russian side to continue efforts to free the hostages in the Palestinian enclave. Similar words were heard at Bogdanov’s previous meeting with the Israeli ambassador on September 13, but despite regular contacts with Hamas, no progress has yet been seen in the release of Russian citizens.
Recall that after the attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Russia repeatedly turned to Palestinian groups, including Islamic Jihad, asking for help in the release of captured Russian citizens. However, most of the freed hostages returned to Israel as a result of operations by Israeli IDF forces or as a result of agreements with Hamas unrelated to Russian efforts.
Mikhail Bogdanov is a key figure in maintaining contacts between the Kremlin and Hamas.
Previously, Kursor wrote about how Hamas used UNRWA to cover up its activities.
IDF forces arrested hundreds of Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, and a UNRWA official explained what the militants did to ensure their safety.
