Russia is actively working to facilitate the resolution of the situation involving Russian citizens held hostage by Hamas, stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
"We are actively engaged in efforts to facilitate the resolution of this situation. It's important to clarify that these individuals are permanent residents of Israel. Among the affected individuals and hostages, according to our information, there are no tourists or temporary visitors. All of them are residents of Israel. However, there are individuals with dual citizenship, referred to as 'second' citizenship, which we consider as Russian citizenship. We don't differentiate in terms of numbering; our concern is that they are Russian citizens," stated the diplomat during a broadcast on Sputnik radio.
The Russian Federation is in contacts with all relevant parties to seek a favorable resolution to the hostage situation in the Gaza Strip, noted Zakharova.
"We are maintaining communication with all relevant parties in this matter, specifically with those with whom we can and should engage. Our efforts are centered around a singular objective - to ameliorate the situation and secure a favorable resolution to the hostage situation," the diplomat stated.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS
Based on materials from TASS