Release of a Russian
Haniya Taher al-Nunu, who leads the political bureau of Hamas, stated that the Palestinian militant group freed a hostage with Russian citizenship captured in Israel and handed him over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. This clarification came as part of Hamas’ public comments on recent exchanges and negotiations.
Al-Nunu told the TASS news agency that Hamas released the Russian hostage in recognition of Moscow’s role and Vladimir Putin’s efforts toward the Palestinian cause. The statement framed the release as a response to diplomatic pushes from the Russian side, recognizing Hamas’ insistence on supporting the Palestinian goal.
Later, Israeli Channel 12 reported, citing a source, that Hamas intends to release an Israeli held with Russian citizenship at the request of Russia. This signals ongoing coordination between Hamas and various international actors regarding hostages.
Outside of exchange list
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on the incident, saying that the hostage with a Russian passport was released outside the formal exchange list thanks to ongoing talks between Russian diplomats and Hamas representatives.
She noted that this announcement occurred outside the official trade list, emphasizing direct arrangements between Russian officials and Hamas. The Foreign Ministry’s representative added that work to advance such direct engagements would continue.
Zakharova identified the freed man as Ron Olegovich Krivoy and indicated that Russian diplomats planned to visit him soon after his release.
Earlier, on November 1, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Israel Anatoly Viktorov reported that five to six Russians were being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with a possible woman among the captives.
Ceasefire for four days
A four-day ceasefire was agreed between Hamas representatives and Israeli officials to facilitate a prisoner and detainee exchange. The first day of the ceasefire, November 24, saw Hamas militants hand over 13 Israelis through the Red Cross, including four children and nine women. In addition, ten Thais and one Filipino were released, while Israel released 39 Palestinian women and children from prison in return.
The terms of the agreement envision Hamas releasing 50 hostages in groups of 12 to 13 over four days, in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners. The framework also allows for the possible release of additional individuals, and the ceasefire would be extended by one day for every 10 hostages released.
The day before, Hamas representatives announced that the prisoner and detainee exchange process had been suspended due to violations of the ceasefire by Israel, which allegedly blocked trucks carrying humanitarian aid to the northern Gaza Strip. Channel 12 reported that the Israel Defense Forces warned of continuing military operations in Gaza in response.
Egypt and Qatar intervened in the evening, helping to overcome delays in the transfer of hostages and Palestinian detainees. In this development, 20 hostages, comprising 13 Israelis and seven foreign nationals, were released and handed to the Red Cross, while Israel agreed to transfer 39 Palestinian civilians in return.
Khalid Meshaal, who heads Hamas’ office abroad, had previously indicated in October that the movement aimed to exchange hostages in southern Israel for about 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. In late November, IDF spokesman Doron Spielman reported that Hamas was holding roughly 215 people in the Gaza Strip.