Hamas Reveals Its Demands for Release of Israeli Hostages in Gaza

Delegates of Hamas in Moscow have released a set of demands to be met for the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip.

A Hamas delegation visiting Moscow told the Russian-state controlled news outlet Kommersant that the group will not release hostages until Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Abu Hamid, part of the delegation that traveled to the Russian capital, also said all hostages taken to Gaza still need to be located.

"Hundreds of citizens and dozens of militants from various Palestinian factions entered the territories occupied in 1948, and after the fall of the Israeli Gaza Division, they captured dozens of people, most of them civilians, and we need time to find them in the Gaza Strip and then release them," Hamid said.

He also said that Israeli bombing has allegedly killed 50 Hamas prisoners so far, and that a "calm environment" is needed to negotiate any releases. Hamas is believed to have kidnapped 224 people from Israel, according to Reuters. It has released four hostages so far.

During the Moscow visit, led by Mousa Abu Marzook, a founder and political leader of Hamas, Hamid said they gave their reasons for the October 7 surprise attack on southern Israel to Russia.

"The Russian Federation is a friendly country for the Palestinian people and maintains relations with all representatives of the Palestinian people," he said, according to Kommersant. "We are always ready to consult with [it] on various issues."

Israel called the meeting with Russia an "undignified step" and requested that Moscow expel the Hamas officials. Russia said the meeting focused on the release of hostages and exploring avenues for allowing aid into Gaza.

Russia has long support Palestinians, being one of the first countries to recognize a Palestinian state in 1988.

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of "consequences" if Israel goes through with its ground offensive in Gaza.

"Further escalation of the crisis is fraught with grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. It could spill over far beyond the borders of the Middle East," Putin said at a meeting with faith leaders on Wednesday.

He also accused the West of igniting the flames of the conflict, going on to claim the West's aim is to "launch a real wave of chaos and mutual hatred not only in the Middle East but also far beyond its borders. For this purpose, among other things, they are trying to play on the national and religious feelings of millions of people."

The U.S. and Arab countries have also asked Israel to delay any invasion of Gaza, citing civilian casualties and the possibility it would widen the conflict.

Newsweek has contacted Israel's government press office for comment via phone.