Russia has urgently called for the immediate release of two of its citizens, Alexander Trufanov and Maxim Khorkin, who are currently being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The demand was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Friday, who expressed Russia’s deep concern over the ongoing situation. In a statement, Zakharova condemned the capture and prolonged detention of innocent civilians, stressing that such actions cannot be justified under any circumstances. Russia is advocating for the unconditional release of all civilians being held hostage by Palestinian factions, including their own nationals.
Zakharova’s comments come amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began with a violent cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This attack led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel, with 250 others taken hostage by the militant group. As of now, about 100 hostages remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has continued its devastating offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 43,000 deaths in the Palestinian enclave. The region has also suffered immense damage, with large portions of it rendered nearly uninhabitable due to the violence.
For Russia, securing the release of its citizens and other hostages has become a key priority in its diplomatic efforts. Zakharova highlighted that Russia’s engagement with Hamas and other Palestinian factions has been driven by this concern, with Russian diplomats working tirelessly to resolve the issue through various channels, including the Russian embassies in the region.
The Russian official also pointed out that political and diplomatic measures remain the most effective means to address the crisis. She referenced a week-long ceasefire agreement that took place in November 2023, which successfully led to the release of several hostages, primarily women and children. Russia’s involvement was pivotal in facilitating this arrangement, which saw the release of hostages outside the framework of the broader ceasefire deal. In particular, Russian nationals Elena Trufanova, Irina Tatti, and Ron Krivoy were released, demonstrating Russia’s commitment to using diplomatic channels to resolve the hostage situation.
Zakharova’s statement underscores the urgency of the situation and Russia’s continued efforts to engage in diplomatic work aimed at ending the suffering of civilians held captive in Gaza. The Russian government’s focus on diplomatic dialogue and political solutions reflects its belief in the importance of resolving such humanitarian crises through negotiation rather than force.
While the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict remain complex, Russia’s involvement illustrates its broader strategy of leveraging diplomacy and international relations to protect its citizens and influence global peace efforts. As the conflict continues to unfold, Russia remains actively engaged in securing the release of its nationals and supporting efforts to end the hostage crisis, which has escalated into a key humanitarian concern.
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