Israel kills senior Hamas military commander, Russia speaks out on hostage issue

On October 14, the Israeli army announced that Murad Abu Murad - a senior military commander of Hamas, head of the Islamic movement's air operations in Gaza, was killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Israel tiêu diệt chỉ huy quân sự cấp cao của Hamas, Nga lên tiếng về vấn đề con tin

Palestinians leave Gaza amid fears of increased Israeli retaliation. (Source: Reuters)

The Israeli military said Murad Abu Murad was killed on October 13 when Israeli fighter jets struck a Hamas operations center where the group carried out its "air operations."

There is currently no confirmation from Hamas.

Earlier, on October 11, the Israeli army said its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed two senior Hamas commanders, including Jawad Abu Shamala, in charge of economic affairs, and Zakaria Abu Ma'amr, in charge of Hamas' "national relations" in Gaza.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov may meet Hamas commanders in Qatar next week and discuss the possibility of releasing hostages taken by the group during an attack on Israel a week ago, RIA news agency reported on October 14.

Mr. Bogdanov revealed that he was traveling to Qatar and often met Hamas whenever he was in the country.

"If they want, we always maintain contact. Moreover, in this situation, this (meeting) is very useful to solve practical problems, including the release of hostages," Mr. Bogdanov said.

The Islamist Hamas movement carried out the deadliest attack in Israel's history a week ago, killing more than 1,300 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza. Israel responded with the heaviest air strikes in its 75-year conflict with the Palestinians.

Source