Hamas "two Russian nationals first in hostage release"

A senior Palestinian militant Hamas official who visited Russia said he would release two Russian dual nationals first if a hostage release deal was reached.

Moussa Abu Marzuk, a member of Hamas' political bureau, told Russian media that he would give priority to his Russian colleagues in a show of respect.

Of the 251 hostages Hamas captured in October last year, four were Russian citizens, two civilians had already been released and two Israeli soldiers were still detained, Marzuk explained.

However, he stressed that their release is only possible if Israel releases Palestinian prisoners.

He also drew a line that there was no negotiation at all on reports that a ceasefire was only for a few days instead of releasing some of the hostages.