Hamas will take into account Russian Federation's wishes for the release of Donetsk native from captivity

Hamas will take Russia's wishes into account when considering the release of Donetsk-born Maxim Harkin, who is being held hostage in the Gaza Strip. Deputy head of the Hamas politburo Moussa Abu Marzouk told Izvestia.

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"Maxim is a military man, and his fate will be decided at the second stage of the deal. We will also take into account the wishes of the Russian side," Marzouk noted.

Earlier, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that negotiations on the second stage of the Gaza deal would begin on February 3.

Russia has repeatedly emphasized that it aims for the speedy release of Russian Alexander Trufanov and Donetsk native Maxim Kharkin, who are being held in the Gaza Strip.