MOSCOW, November 15. /TASS/. Moscow calls for the immediate release of Russian nationals Alexander Trufanov and Maxim Kharkin, who are held by the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.
"As of today, more than one hundred people remain captive. We proceed from the premise that the kidnapping and prolonged forced detention of innocent people cannot be justified. We are reiterating our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians held by Palestinian units, and, above all, our compatriots Trufanov and Kharkin," the diplomat stressed.
She also noted that the release of hostages "remains a priority" in the ongoing interaction between the Russian side and the Hamas political wing, as well as other Palestinian organizations. "Consistent efforts to implement this humanitarian task will continue, including through the Russian embassies in Middle Eastern countries," the spokeswoman added.
That said, Zakharova reiterated that experience shows that political and diplomatic approaches are the most effective in resolving hostage situations. "While implementing the agreements reached between Israel and Hamas in November 2023, 78 people were released, most of them women and children. Thanks to our persistent efforts, outside the framework of that deal, Russian citizens Yelena Trufanova and Irena Tatti (Alexander Trufanov’s mother and grandmother), along with Ron Krivoi, were also released," the diplomat pointed out.
Tensions flared again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas staged a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, accompanied by the killing of residents of border settlements and the capture of over 250 hostages.
In response, Israel initiated a military operation in the Palestinian enclave to dismantle Hamas' military and political structures and free the hostages. The fighting in the Gaza Strip continues.
On September 23, Israel launched an offensive operation, dubbed "Northern Arrows," targeting Lebanon-based Shiite party Hezbollah’s military facilities, carrying out massive airstrikes across the country.