MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. The Israeli leadership reacts with understanding to Moscow's steps to secure the release of Russian citizens from Hamas captivity, Russia’s ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov has said.

"This (the release of a Russian citizen from Hamas captivity on November 26 - TASS) was perceived very positively by the Israeli public. I am sure that the Israeli leadership also understands the steps taken by the Russian leadership and diplomats to secure the release our citizens," he told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

Viktorov also noted that he was planning a meeting with the released Russian and his family in a few days.

"I've personally made arrangements for a meeting with them in a few days, when Ron's recovered," he continued. "We will organize such a meeting somewhere in the company of his family or at the embassy."

"I should say that on November 13 I met with his relatives, Ron Krivoy's father and brother," Viktorov said. "At that time, I did not yet know that the release would happen on November 26, but I promised Ron's relatives that we were keeping the issue under control. They are very grateful for the efforts of Russian diplomacy. I hope that today we will be able to meet with a representative of the consular department and the military attache."

Viktorov confirmed that the Russian citizen's release was possible after intensive direct contacts between Russian diplomats and Hamas. "His release happened in addition to the agreed truce and exchange of prisoners and hostages between Hamas and Israel," the Russian ambassador pointed out.

Russian’s release

Earlier, a spokesman for the Hamas Political Bureau’s chief Ismail Haniyeh, Taher al-Nunu told TASS that the movement had freed a hostage having Russian citizenship and handed him over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed to TASS that the release of the Russian citizen had taken place apart from the agreed swap of hostages thanks to efforts by Russian diplomats in contacts with Hamas. The Russian's name is Ron Krivoy.