Picture: for illustration purposes
A Hamas delegation has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Moscow on Thursday to negotiate the release of international hostages, marking another significant effort by Russia to restore peace and stability in the Middle East. As per the Russian foreign ministry, these hostages include Russian citizens currently held captive in Gaza.
Among the delegation was noted Hamas senior member, Abu Marzouk. Russian news outlet TASS reported that meetings were conducted with Marzouk as an extension of Russia’s steadfast stance on the release of international hostages within the Gaza Strip. The negotiations also shed light on the challenges surrounding the evacuation of Russian and other foreign nationals from the Palestinian territory.
Russia holds an advantageous political position where it retains connections with integral entities in the Middle East, encompassing Israel, Iran, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. This role also places Russia in a unique position to mediate talks and induce potential hostilities to a ceasefire.
Additionally, a dialogue between the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Iran's deputy foreign minister Ali Baghiri Kani emphasized Iran's supportive role towards Hamas in their ongoing conflict with Israel. Further details regarding the dialogue remain undisclosed at this time.
With the pressing Middle East crisis front and centre, Russia's efforts to broker peace have not been understated. Endorsing Putin's facilitative role, Hamas revealed a statement lauding the Russian President and foreign ministry's endeavours to halt alleged Israeli crimes supported by the West.
-Israel's Decision Spurs Fears-
Ripple effects from the escalating hostilities also threaten international stability. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Israel's decision to delay their Gaza invasion until the placement of US air defence systems have ignited worries of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East.
As we reported, Israel is retaliating to an attack carried out on October 7, involving 1,400 fatalities. Israel has responded by imposing an air assault and siege on the 2.3-million-strong enclave with preparations for a ground invasion underway. Palestinian authorities have attributed over 6,500 deaths due to the conflict.