MOSCOW (AFP) – Hamas is trying to locate eight Russian-Israeli dual citizens among nearly 230 taken hostage during its attack on Israel after Moscow’s request to free them, Russian news agencies reported.
Russia has good relations with the Palestinian militant group, which it does not consider a terror group, and has launched a diplomatic effort to try to free hostages held in Gaza.
Israel has said it believes 229 people were taken hostage by Hamas during its massive attack on Israel on October 7.
“From the Russian side, via the foreign ministry, we received a list of citizens that have dual citizenship,” senior Hamas representative Moussa Abu Marzook said, the RIA Novosti news agency reported. “We are very attentive to this list and will process it carefully because we consider Russia to be a close friend,” he said.
