Moscow: Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated on Monday that the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, although positive, will not achieve lasting peace unless a fully recognized Palestinian state is established in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Medvedev expressed his views on his Telegram channel, asserting that the prisoner exchange is a step in the right direction, but insufficient for resolving the longstanding conflict. He emphasized that without the establishment of a Palestinian state as per UN resolutions, the ongoing war is likely to persist.

The context for Medvedev's comments is the recent release of 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas early on Monday, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange was part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Additionally, the Palestinian group announced plans to transfer the remains of four Israeli captives on the same day.

The ceasefire agreement, announced last week by former U.S. President Donald Trump, includes multiple phases aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. The first phase, which began on Friday, involves the release of hostages and prisoners, alongside a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The subsequent phase of the plan is set to establish a new governing body in Gaza, excluding Hamas, with the help of a multinational force and the disarmament of Hamas. However, since October 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in the loss of more than 67,800 Palestinian lives, predominantly women and children, leaving the region largely devastated.