Moscow, Russia – Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner has made a fresh appeal to senior UN and other officials to intervene in the release of Russian nationals still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Tatyana Moskalkova revealed her appeal after meeting with the relatives of those individuals currently in captivity. She expressed deep concern for the well-being of these hostages and called for immediate action to bring them home.
Moskalkova recounted details shared by one mother regarding the conditions faced by the detainees, shedding light on the urgency of the situation. Reports indicate that there are eight hostages with Russian passports, with three having already been released. The remaining captives continue to endure uncertain fates, prompting Moskalkova’s urgent plea to international organizations for assistance.
The Commissioner urged the UN High Commissioner For Human Rights, Volker Turk, and the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, to expedite the return of the Russian nationals. Following a mass attack on Israel, approximately 250 hostages were taken to Gaza by terrorists. Though over 100 were released in a previous exchange, 116 hostages still remain in captivity, with some already declared deceased by Israeli authorities.
Russia’s efforts to engage with conflicting parties in Gaza have been ongoing, with a Hamas delegation visiting Moscow in the past year. President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of Palestinians in the midst of conflict, denouncing the failure of US policies in the region. The plight of the remaining Russian hostages underscores the urgency of international intervention to ensure their safe return home.