Moscow: Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced that Moscow welcomes the 'positive developments' in the Gaza Strip following the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, including troop withdrawals and prisoner exchanges.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zakharova expressed at a briefing in Moscow that there have been positive changes in the Gaza Strip situation, associated with the ceasefire and detainee exchange agreements between Israel and Hamas. She highlighted that the Israeli army has withdrawn to agreed-upon lines, Hamas has returned all surviving Israeli hostages, and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been released.

Zakharova emphasized that Russia hopes the agreements, reached through mediation by Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Trkiye, will be strictly and fully observed. She underscored the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid, facilitating the return of displaced persons, and rebuilding Gaza's damaged civilian infrastructure.

Zakharova reiterated that Russia has consistently advocated for the cessation of hostilities and a political-diplomatic settlement since the onset of the Gaza crisis. She noted, however, that Western countries have obstructed Russia's draft resolutions in the UN Security Council.

She affirmed that Russia will maintain coordination with regional partners to achieve long-term stabilization in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and the broader Middle East. The spokesperson concluded by stating that a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, based on international law and UN resolutions, should be the ultimate goal, as the implementation of the two-state solution will bring lasting peace to all peoples of the Middle East.