MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The Russian side discussed liberation of hostages and evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip during the meeting with Hamas representatives in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS.

"Member of the Hamas Islamic resistance movement Politburo Abu Marzook is currently in Moscow," the Ministry said. "He took part in meetings in continuation of the Russian course towards the release of foreign hostages present in the Gaza Strip, and took part in discussion of evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the Palestinian enclave."

The Foreign Ministry noted that Russia "reaffirmed its unchanged position in favor of implementation of the recognized decision of the international community, including the corresponding UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions that imply establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state within 1967 borders and a capital in East Jerusalem, which coexists in peace and security with Israel."

The situation in the Middle East has escalated abruptly after an armed infiltration of HAMAS militant from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The HAMAS movement considers this attack a response to the actions of Israeli authorities towards the Al Aqsa Mosque at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Israel announced a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip and started carrying out strikes at the enclave and at certain areas of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes also take place in the West Bank.