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Middle East conflict

Russian, Israeli diplomats discuss implementation of Gaza ceasefire agreement

Special attention was paid to the implementation of the agreement between Israel and the Hamas movement on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. The implementation of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement was the focus of a meeting between Russian presidential envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Israeli Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin, the Russian foreign ministry said.

"The sides discussed the situation in the Middle East with a focus on the developments in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Special attention was paid to the implementation of the agreement between Israel and the Hamas movement on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of hostages. The Russian side reiterated its commitment to making further efforts to ensure the soonest release of hostages who are being held in the enclave, including Russian national A. Trufanov," it said.

Apart from that, the sides discussed some aspects of the development of comprehensive Russian-Israeli ties, including a regular political dialogue.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on January 19. On the same day, Hamas release the first three Israeli women. During the first 42-day phase of the deal, Hamas will release at least 33 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Russian national Alexander Trufanov, who is also an Israeli citizen, is among the 33 hostages to be released by Hamas.

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