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Middle East conflict

Hamas to take note of Russia’s request to free Donbass native Maxim Kharkin

According to Abu Marzouk, Hamas leadership "will definitely take Russia's request into account when negotiations are completed and the second phase begins"

DOHA, February 14. /TASS/. Hamas will take into account Russia's request for the release of Donbass-born Maxim Kharkin from Gaza when phase two of the ceasefire deal with Israel begins, said Hamas Political Bureau Deputy Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk.

"As for Maxim Kharkin, our Russian friends have indeed made a request to release him" he told TASS. "We treated Russia's request with respect, but at the moment we can’t disclose information about the hostages included in the second phase of the deal, negotiations on which will begin next week if Israel sends its delegation [to Doha]."

According to Abu Marzouk, Hamas leadership "will definitely take Russia's request into account when negotiations are completed and the second phase begins."

Earlier on Friday, Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas' military wing, said that it was decided to release Russian national Alexander Trufanov as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. The group of three hostages to be released on February 15 also included US and Israeli citizens. Abu Marzouk told TASS that Hamas will release Trufanov during the first phase of the deal, rather than the second phase, as a sign of respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow’s support for the Palestinian people.

In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached a deal to hold a ceasefire that took effect on January 19. The first phase of the deal, which is set to last 42 days, stipulates that Hamas will release at least 33 Israeli hostages, including the bodies of those who are no longer alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

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