Representatives of the Palestinian movement HAMAS are currently in Moscow, as confirmed by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
Zakharova stated, "I can confirm that representatives of the Palestinian movement are in Moscow. Further information regarding their contacts will be provided."
According to RIA news, HAMAS Politburo member Abu Marzook is among those who arrived in Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that discussions in Moscow focused on the immediate release of foreign hostages held in the Gaza Strip, as well as the evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the Palestinian enclave.
The Foreign Ministry also emphasized Russia's continued support for implementing the decisions of the international community, including the UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, which call for the establishment of a "sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security."
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with HAMAS political leadership during a recent visit to Qatar. Their discussions centered on the hostage situation. HAMAS expressed appreciation for President Vladimir Putin's stance and active Russian diplomacy.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict revolves around territorial disputes and has remained a source of tension and conflict for many decades. The recent escalation began when Israel faced an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7. Following this, HAMAS fighters infiltrated Israel's southern border regions. HAMAS's military wing, the "Al-Qassam Brigades," launched Operation "Flood of Axes" in response.
In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated "Operation Iron Swords" in the Gaza Strip. Tel Aviv quickly gained control of border towns and began airstrikes on various targets, including civilian infrastructure within the enclave. Additionally, Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza, leading to the suspension of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel deliveries.
The casualty toll in the Palestinian enclave has exceeded 6,500 people, with over 17,000 wounded. In Israel, more than 1,300 people have died, while up to 250 people may be held hostage by HAMAS. The Russian Embassy reported 20 Russian citizens killed during the conflict, two taken as hostages, and seven missing.
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on both sides to cease hostilities. President Vladimir Putin stressed that a resolution to the Middle East crisis can only be based on the UN Security Council-endorsed "two-state" formula, involving the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting with Israel in peace and security.
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