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Russia appreciates Hamas’ goodwill gesture to release Russian — Foreign Ministry

"This humanitarian operation was carried out in coordination with the Israeli authorities and with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross," Maria Zakharova noted

MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Moscow appreciates Hamas’ goodwill gesture to release the hostage holding a Russian passport and will continue to seek the release of other Russians, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary.

"We positively assess the goodwill gesture by the Hamas leadership and its readiness for constructive cooperation in addressing humanitarian issues that are of particular importance to us," she pointed out. "In cooperation with all parties involved, we will continue to seek the speedy release of Russian citizens kept hostage in Gaza."

Zakharova said that Russian citizen Ron Krivoy was released on November 26 by Hamas thanks to efforts by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"This humanitarian operation was carried out in coordination with the Israeli authorities and with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross," she noted. "We draw attention to the fact that our compatriot was given an opportunity to return home without any linkage to the fulfillment of the conditions agreed upon between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, for the exchange of part of the women and children held hostage in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails."

On November 22, Hamas reported reaching a 4-day humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip with Israel, brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The agreements envisaged multi-step release of 50 children, teenagers (under 19) and women held in the enclave in exchange for 150 teenagers (under 19) and women from Israeli prisons. The truce came into force on November 24 at 8:00 a.m. Moscow time (5:00 a.m. GMT).