Hamas Leader Heads to Moscow for Talks on Palestine-Israel Conflict Amid Ongoing Efforts to Release Russian Citizens Captured in Gaza

On Saturday, RIA Novosti reported that the deputy head of Hamas Politburo, Musa Abu Marzuk, would arrive in Moscow for negotiations on June 24. The publication mentioned planned meetings at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the article, Abu Marzuk would be meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mikhail Bogdanov, marking his second meeting with Russian officials this year.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has been actively working towards securing the release of civilians captured in Gaza, including three Russian citizens. However, despite ongoing efforts and negotiations, some hostages remain in captivity. One of the hostages was recently freed by Israeli special forces in a daring operation in Nuseirat on June 8, 2024. Reports emerged about the abuse of hostages in captivity, including the Russian citizen who had been freed.

Hamas leadership has shown gratitude towards the Russian leadership for supporting the “Palestinian resistance.” Despite this, they have been unable to satisfy the Kremlin’s request for the release of Russian citizens captured and held by terrorists in Gaza. While Russia does not recognize Hamas or Islamic Jihad as terrorist groups, it continues its efforts to secure their release through diplomatic channels. Over the years, Russian authorities have maintained regular contacts with Hamas and Islamic Jihad at various levels of the Russian Foreign Ministry. These organizations are not recognized as terrorist groups by Russia but are considered extremist groups with whom Russia maintains diplomatic relations.

Musa Abu Marzuk is a long-time member of Hamas and has played a significant role in negotiations between various factions in the Middle East conflict. He is listed as a dangerous terrorist but has been involved in diplomatic efforts and negotiations to resolve conflicts in the region.

In conclusion, Musa Abu Marzuk will visit Moscow for negotiations on June 24 to discuss issues related to Palestine-Israel conflict. Although Russia recognizes Hamas as an extremist group and not a terrorist organization like Israel does, it maintains diplomatic relations with them due to its support for Palestinian resistance movement against Israeli occupation. Despite this support, Hamas has been unable to release all its captives held by Israeli military forces or terrorist groups operating from Gaza strip which includes three Russian citizens still missing since 2016.