Russia is actively engaging with all relevant parties to facilitate a new agreement for the release of hostages detained in the Gaza Strip, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, who spoke to TASS.
Vershinin noted that Russia is focusing its efforts on securing the safe return of Russian citizens, while also supporting the broader process involving other nationalities. He added that discussions are ongoing, with some progress already achieved in extracting certain individuals from harm's way.
As reported by AFP, William Burns, Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, convened meetings in Paris with Egyptian, Israeli, and Qatari representatives. These talks yielded a consensus on the fundamental terms of a new accord between Hamas and Israel, which includes a gradual prisoner exchange, a ceasefire, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the besieged enclave. Following these discussions, Hamas confirmed receipt of an offer from Israel, which was facilitated by the Paris meeting. Qatar later confirmed its receipt of a response from Hamas concerning a proposed framework for releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary halt to hostilities.
Since the infiltration of Hamas fighters into Israeli territory from Gaza on October 7, 2023, the situation has remained volatile. A seven-day humanitarian ceasefire was reached in late November, during which time approximately 110 hostages were liberated. Current estimates indicate that around 136 hostages continue to be held in Gaza.
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS