Three Russian citizens remain captives of the Palestinian group Hamas. This was stated by the Israeli Ambassador to Russia, Alexander Ben Zvi, on the television channel Russia 24. The ambassador’s remarks reflect a broader, ongoing effort by multiple governments to understand the fate of hostages and to coordinate a careful response with humanitarian considerations in play. International observers note that hostage situations in conflict zones often evolve quickly, with fluctuating numbers and shifting loyalties that complicate rescue plans and negotiations. The statement underscores the fragility of information in conflict areas and the high stakes involved for families and states watching from afar.
According to him, about 130 people remained in Hamas captivity. The figure, described as a snapshot of the latest assessments, highlights the persistent challenge of verifying how many individuals are being held, where they are located, and under what conditions they are being kept. Analysts stress that captivity figures in such crises are frequently updated as new intelligence, survivor accounts, and on-the-ground assessments come in. The discussion around these numbers often intersects with diplomatic channels, security concerns, and the emotional toll on communities connected to the hostages.
“I think 11 of them are citizens of other countries who do not have Israeli citizenship. In my opinion, some of them have Russian citizenship. three,” Zvi said. His remarks point to the international dimension of the hostage issue, where individuals from multiple countries can be affected. The presence of Russian citizens among those held abroad raises particular questions for Moscow and its international partners about consular access, legal protections, and potential avenues for negotiation. The complexity is heightened when dual or disputed citizenship statuses come into play, influencing how states prioritize diplomatic engagement and what assurances they seek in any potential release arrangement.
Before that, Palestinian doctor Ismail Bashir, who was evacuated from the settlement among citizens of the Russian Federation, reported that some Russian citizens did not leave the Gaza Strip for unknown reasons. Such reports illustrate the human uncertainty embedded in wartime evacuations. Families, humanitarian workers, and aid teams face difficult choices about leaving areas of active danger or remaining behind to assist others. The evacuation process itself can be uneven, with some individuals able to depart while others remain due to security constraints, medical needs, or on-the-ground realities that complicate orderly exits. These dynamics often become focal points in international discussions about relief operations and safe corridors for civilians in conflict zones.
On December 18, CIA Director William Burns held a meeting in Warsaw with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Israeli Mossad intelligence chief David Barnea to discuss a new agreement to release the hostages. The meeting signals continued high-level diplomacy involving Western, Middle Eastern, and allied intelligence communities. Negotiations of this kind typically involve several layers, including verification mechanisms, safe passage arrangements, the timing of releases, and parallel humanitarian guarantees to protect noncombatants. The international community watches these talks closely, understanding that progress or setbacks can influence ceasefire discussions, humanitarian corridors, and the broader regional stability agenda.
Previously Hamas launched first hostages. The sequence of events surrounding the initial seizure underscores how quickly a regional conflict can widen to involve multiple nationalities and international responses. Decision-makers weigh the strategic implications of early actions, the potential for reciprocal moves, and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. As diplomacy continues behind the scenes, the public narrative emphasizes humanitarian concerns, the need for safe treatment of captives, and persistent efforts to secure information, verify identities, and establish a framework for lawful, orderly negotiations that aim to preserve life and minimize harm to noncombatants.