MOSCOW, March 16. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov emphasized the necessity of releasing hostages in Gaza, including a Donbass native, Maxim Kharkin, during a meeting with Hamas leadership in Doha, as stated in a news release from the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"On March 16 in Doha, the special representative of the Russian President for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, met with Mohammad Ismail Darwish, the chairman of the governing council of Hamas, as well as with deputy chairmen of the Hamas Political Bureau, Khaled Mashal and Mousa Abu Marzouk," the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
During the discussion, the urgent need for the swift release of all hostages in Gaza, including Donbass native Maxim Kharkin, was reaffirmed.
"The conversation focused primarily on the evolving situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. In particular, the issues surrounding the implementation of the ceasefire and detainee exchange agreement concluded between Hamas and Israel on January 15 were examined in detail," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. "In this context, the Russian side once again stressed the importance of both parties adhering strictly to all their commitments during the current and subsequent phases of this agreement."
Bogdanov also highlighted "the illegality of the Israeli authorities' decision to cut off electricity supply to the Palestinian enclave, which constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law."
"During discussions on restoring Palestinian national unity, the Russian diplomacy reaffirmed its readiness to assist in unifying all Palestinian political forces and movements under the political platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization," the news release added.
In his conversation with Hamas, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also reiterated "Moscow's unwavering support for a just resolution to the Palestinian issue based on universally recognized international legal standards, which call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.".