MOSCOW

Russia calls for the immediate release of its two citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday.

Zakharova in a statement said, "The capture and prolonged detention of innocent people cannot be justified under any circumstances."

"We urge the unconditional release of all civilians held by Palestinian factions, including our compatriots Alexander Trufanov and Maxim Khorkin," she added.

Israel has continued its devastating offensive in Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 that claimed around 1,200 lives and 250 others were taken as hostages. Around 100 are still believed to be in captivity. The onslaught since then has killed more than 43,000 people in the enclave and rendered it almost uninhabitable.

The Russian official said resolving the hostage issue is a priority in Russia’s engagements with Hamas and other Palestinian groups, adding that this effort involves continuous diplomatic work through Russian embassies in the region.

Zakharova pointed to political and diplomatic measures as the most effective means of addressing the situation, noting that a week-long agreement last November allowed to free hostages, primarily women and children.

Russia’s efforts also secured the release of Russian citizens Elena Trufanova, Irina Tatti, and Ron Krivoy outside the framework of this agreement, she added.