"I think we should express our gratitude to the leadership, the political wing of Hamas for agreeing to meet us halfway and performing this act, a humanitarian act of releasing you," he added MOSCOW, April 17. /TASS/. The return of Russians from captivity in Gaza has been possible thanks to Russia's long-standing relations with the Palestinian people, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Alexander Trufanov, who was released from Gaza in February. "The fact that you were