A Hamas delegation, led by the movement’s Deputy Political Bureau Chief Mousa Abu Marzook, plans to seek Russian assistance in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip during an upcoming visit to Moscow. This was reported to TASS by a source within Hamas leadership.
"We will request aid to help mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," the source stated, outlining the delegation’s objectives for its visit to Moscow on February 3. Hamas representatives also hope to gain Russia’s support in exerting "pressure on the [Israeli] occupier to ensure it fulfills its commitments," the source added.
Additionally, the delegation intends to update the Russian side on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
"We will brief our Russian friends on the latest developments regarding the ceasefire and the agreement’s implementation," the source said. According to the official, Hamas will also present its assessment of the agreement. The visit aims to "strengthen cooperation and hold consultations on current developments in Palestine and the region," the source noted.
Hamas’ previous visit to Moscow took place in October 2024. At that time, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, discussed the situation in Gaza with Hamas leadership, focusing particularly on the issue of hostages held in the enclave, including Russian citizens.
In January 2024, Bogdanov held phone talks with Mousa Abu Marzook and Hamas’ overseas political bureau chief Khaled Mashal. On January 24, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that during another conversation with Abu Marzook, Bogdanov reaffirmed Moscow’s interest in securing the release of Russian citizen Alexander Trufanov and Donbas native Maxim Kharkin from Gaza as a priority.
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Photo: Marius Arnesen/Creative Commons 3.0
Based on materials from TASS