Hamas Ensures 2 Russian Hostages In Gaza Will Be Released First If There Is A Prisoner Exchange

JAKARTA - Hamas has not yet chosen a new leader following the murder of Yahya Sinwar.

This was conveyed by Deputy Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas Mousa Abu Marzouk during a visit to Russia.

"Not yet, we are still discussing," he said as quoted by CNN from Russian state media RIA Novosti, Thursday, October 24.

According to Abu Marzouk, Hamas will announce a new leader after being elected.

Marzouk, who previously met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, also said two Russian nationals who are currently held hostage in Gaza would be released first if there was a possibility of exchanging prisoners as a sign of respect for Moscow.

Two Russian hostages, Alexandre Troufanov and Maxim Herkin are Israeli soldiers, who will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli territory in the event an agreement takes place.