Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Urges Immediate Release of Hostages in Gaza

11 December 2023

Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution of humanitarian issues in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone during discussions held on December 10 and 11. The talks involved key Palestinian figures, including Saleh Raafat, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Secretary General of the Palestinian Democratic Union (FIDA); Maher Taher, a representative of the leadership of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Mousa Abu Marzook, the Deputy chairman of the Hamas politburo. The discussions focused on crucial matters, including the release of hostages, and were initiated by the Palestinian side.

 

"In the course of the talks, a range of issues related to the sharp escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was discussed, with a focus on the emerging military and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the Russian side reaffirmed its principled position on the necessity of a cessation of hostilities and an urgent solution to all humanitarian problems, including the release of hostages," stated the Russian diplomatic department.

 

The ministry further emphasized the special importance of restoring Palestinian national unity within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The focus is on the political platform aimed at establishing a sovereign Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The objective is to foster peaceful and secure coexistence with Israel.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry

Based on materials from TASS