MOSCOW, February 27. /TASS/. Talks on the release of hostages held by Hamas are in progress in several capitals, Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s special presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa, has told TASS.
He drew attention to the fact that Russia’s efforts had secured the release of some Russian citizens.
"Not all of them, though. But this depends not only on Hamas. It depends on agreements achieved between them and the Israelis through mediators. We are also, sort of, an intermediate link," he said.
"But the Qataris, the Egyptians and some others are also working there. That's why talks are in progress: there are talks in Paris, and in Cairo the Israelis and Hamas stay in touch.
At the same time, Bogdanov drew attention to the fact that there was a set of problems around the release of hostages.
"Not just release, but the cessation of bombings. Because as long as bombings go on, the International Red Cross cannot work there," he said, recalling that the Red Cross was involved in the practical implementation of agreements on the release of hostages.
"It’s not just a matter of somebody’s wish, but also of creating conditions for this wish to materialize," he added.