Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on October 13 that Moscow is prepared to contribute to resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip if invited by participants of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit focused on implementing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. “If the direct participants of this summit and those who will address this issue after the summit determine that Russia can be helpful, we will not refuse,” Lavrov said during a meeting with Arab journalists. He emphasized Russia would not “impose its services” without an invitation, adding hopes for the summit’s success to allow the Palestinian people to “breathe freely.”
Meanwhile, Hamas released Israeli hostages in Gaza, marking significant developments. The first group of seven hostages was handed over to Israel’s military, with all undergoing medical checks. A second batch of 13 hostages was transferred to the Red Cross, while buses carrying freed prisoners arrived in Ramallah. Trump hailed October 13 as a milestone, declaring an end to the Gaza conflict and praising Hamas for initiating disarmament. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, signed on October 9 after indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, saw fighting halt, partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and hostage exchanges. The truce began on October 10 at 12:00 Moscow time.
