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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel-Hamas hostage exchange to take place on '3-for-1' formula — ambassador to Russia

Alexander Ben Zvi explained that if this hostage exchange is successful, "there will be a need to negotiate further"

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas will take place according to the '3-for-1' formula, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi told TASS.

"We are talking about exchanging about 55 hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners. So, for now, this formula remains. We are talking about the first four days," the diplomat said when asked about the exchange formula.

He recalled that in 2014, Hamas violated the ceasefire and killed 8 Israeli servicemen. "When something like that happens, when they create obstacles and hostage situations, there is no point in stopping anything," Ben Zvi pointed out.

At the same time, the diplomat explained that if this hostage exchange is successful, "there will be a need to negotiate further."

"Nobody has negotiated this yet, but I very much hope that it will happen," the ambassador emphasized, commenting on the possibility of releasing all hostages held by Hamas through the negotiation process that has been set in motion.

"As you remember, our two main goals are the destruction of the entire Hamas terrorist infrastructure and the release of all hostages. If there is a release of all hostages, one of the two objectives of this operation will be achieved. We will be very happy," he concluded.

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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