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topicnews · October 24, 2024

Hamas to prioritize release of Russian hostages in Gaza – report

Hamas to prioritize release of Russian hostages in Gaza – report

Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau, announced in an interview with the Kremlin that the group was ready to prioritize the release of two Russian nationals held in Gaza, Alexandre Troufanov and Maxin Herkin, as part of a possible future agreement with Israel . supported the media outlet RIA Novosti on Thursday.

Abu Marzouk stated that Troufanov is currently in Islamic Jihad custody and was captured during the fighting. “He will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel,” he said.

Regarding Herkin, Abu Marzouk stated that Herkin was a Ukrainian citizen when he was captured. “His family later moved to Russia and secured him citizenship, allowing Russia to intervene in efforts to secure his release. However, he is not a Russian citizen, but a former Israeli army soldier,” he said.

Nevertheless, Abu Marzouk stressed that Troufanov and Herkin will be released as a matter of priority out of respect for their Russian counterparts.

On Wednesday evening, Abu Marzouk met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the meeting focused on the issue of hostages held in Gaza.

Mousa Abu Marzouk in Damascus in 2006. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Previous promises

Hamas has made similar statements in the past, saying it would prioritize the release of Troufanov in a deal alongside Alexander Lubanov. However, Lubanov was executed by Hamas in Rafah in September.

The PIJ released two videos of Troufanov in May urging the Israeli public to continue protesting and demanding a ceasefire so that he could be brought home.



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