Trufanov, who was released from captivity, spoke about the warm welcome he received in the Russian Federation

Alexander Trufanov, a freed Russian who was held hostage in the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Hamas movement, told Izvestia about how he was greeted in Russia. According to him, he was given a warm welcome with the best conditions.

"The reception was amazing, and we want to thank the people who organized everything. We feel such warmth and kindness from the people around us wherever we go. And I want to say a huge thank you to the people of Russia for this," he shared.

Trufanov also thanked the Russian government, in particular, President Vladimir Putin, for the efforts made during the negotiations to free him.

"I know that the government, Putin and many others have made a lot of efforts to free me...> I want to say a huge thank you for what they did, trying to get things off the ground. I'm sure it eventually played a role in my release. That's why I'm standing here today," he said.

Survivor: Russian Trufanov spent 498 days in captivity in Gaza

Russia expressed gratitude to the Palestinian side for the release of the citizen

Representatives of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas handed over three hostages, including Russian Trufanov, to the Red Cross staff on February 15. The Russian Embassy clarified that Russian diplomats had made every effort to free him.

On April 8, a charity luncheon was held in Moscow in honor of the release of the Russian. Trufanov came to the event with his bride and mother. In addition, the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar and the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, Rabbi Alexander Boroda, attended the meal.