ATLANTA, USA (CNN) – Representatives of the Hamas movement held talks with a high-ranking official of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, the official Russian news agency (TASS) and a statement by Hamas said Thursday.
Talks focused on the evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by Hamas, TASS reported.
The Hamas delegation included the deputy director of the political bureau, Musa Abu Marzouk, and the movement’s main leader, Bassem Naim, who lives in Gaza. The group met with the deputy secretary of state and the special presidential representative for the Middle East and Africa. Affairs, as reported by Mikhail Bogdanov, Hamas.
TASS quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying that the talks took place within the framework of Russia’s position to “immediately release foreign hostages in the Gaza Strip.”
The Foreign Ministry added: “Issues related to ensuring the evacuation of Russian citizens and other foreign citizens from the territories of the Palestinian Territory were also discussed.”
Hamas representatives praised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance and stressed the need for the international community to fulfill “responsibility for the crime of genocide committed by the Zionist regime,” according to a Hamas statement.
The movement added in its statement: “Mr. Bogdanov expressed, and outlined his country’s efforts with the parties involved with the aim of bringing about a ceasefire, opening of crossings and humanitarian assistance. into Gaza).”
For its part, Israel condemned the visit, according to a statement issued by its Foreign Ministry: “Israel condemns the invitation of senior Hamas officials to Moscow, which is seen as supporting terrorism and legitimizing the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists,” adding: “We call on the Russian government to expel Hamas terrorists immediately.” He said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that about 1,000 Russian citizens and citizens of the Commonwealth of Nations have requested the evacuation of Gaza.
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