Family members of Russian citizens held by the Palestinian Hamas movement are scheduled to meet with officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry next week. This update came from Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by TASS.
Zakharova said that since the crisis in the Middle East intensified, Russian authorities have been actively engaging with all sides involved in the conflict. The discussions cover the fate of captives and prisoners, including considerations for individuals who permanently reside in Israel and hold Russian passports.
She noted that the Russian Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Anatoly Viktorov, has met with the families of those detained. The families will be received at the Foreign Ministry at the start of next week, as indicated by the spokesperson.
On November 24, a four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was announced. The agreement involves a temporary halt in hostilities and a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners between the warring parties. The arrangement aims to facilitate the release of captives and to create space for humanitarian access and communication between the sides.
Reports indicate that Hamas is expected to release 50 women and children among the captives. On the first day of the ceasefire, 13 Israeli citizens and 12 Thai citizens were released. In response, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners in state custody as part of a reciprocal exchange process.
Earlier statements in Israel raised questions about the second day of the ceasefire, including how many hostages would be released and how the exchanges would be managed. Authorities emphasize that negotiations are ongoing and that the precise schedules can be subject to changes as talks continue.