UPDATE - Hamas representatives meet with Russian officials in Moscow

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS BY KREMLIN SPOKESMAN, CHANGES DECK

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Representatives of Palestinian group Hamas are holding talks with Russian diplomats in Moscow, a Russian government spokesperson said on Thursday.

"I can say and confirm that representatives of the relevant Palestinian movement (Hamas) are on a visit to Moscow. As for contacts, we will inform you (about their results) additionally," Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said at a news conference in Moscow.

In a separate statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that contacts are being held only with Russian Foreign Ministry officials, as President Vladimir Putin does not plan to meet with Hamas representatives.

Meanwhile, Russian media reported that the group is led by Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook, deputy chairman of Hamas' political bureau.

The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood – a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Morea than 8,400 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,028 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been running out of food, water, medicine, and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.