TUNIS, January 21. /TAS/. The Palestinian radical movement Hamas counts on Russia’s support for Israeli compliance with the Gaza ceasefire agreement and restoration of the enclave, Hamas spokesman in Iran, Khalid Al Qadoumi, told TASS in a phone interview.
"We view Russia as a friendly country, and it can partner with our people in the Gaza Strip in the future, helping them to rebuild the enclave and putting diplomatic and political pressure on Israel so that it can adhere to the ceasefire agreement," the Hamas official said.
"We have always considered Russia’s role as positive, effective and supportive in the Palestinian issue that can help in efforts toward the realization of Palestinian rights," Al Qadoumi emphasized.
On January 15, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that through mediation efforts by Washington, Doha, and Cairo, Israel and Hamas had agreed on the exchange of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the enclave. As the ceasefire came into force on January 19, three female Israeli citizens were returned home. During the first 42-day phase of the deal, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners.