Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope:…. Zechariah 9 : 12
Reuters
Thu, April 17, 2025 at 2:23 AM GMT+32 min read
(Reuters) – Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin on Wednesday met Russian nationals freed from captivity in the Gaza strip after militant group Hamas’ October 2023 attacks on Israel and said Moscow’s longstanding ties with Palestinians helped secure their freedom.
“The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia’s many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people, with the representatives of different organisations,” Russian news agencies quoted Putin as telling former hostage Alexander Trufanov and members of his family.
“Here we have to offer a word of gratitude to the leadership and to the political wing of Hamas for a gesture made to us in carrying out this humanitarian act,” the agencies said he told the late-night Kremlin meeting.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Isaiah 35 : 10, Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.Isaiah 51 : 11
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Russia, Putin said, “had truly done everything possible”-‘ redemption‘to secure Trufanov’s liberation and would undertake whatever was necessary to ensure those still in captivity would be freed.
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.Isaiah 10 : 21, [44] Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: [45] And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. [46] He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.Psalm 106 : 44-46
Trufanov was freed after nearly 500 days in captivity in February as part of talks leading to a ceasefire. He thanked Putin for helping secure his release and hoped for the release of all remaining hostages whom he viewed “like brothers”.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.Ephesians 4 : 8, For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,Hebrews 2 : 11
The agencies said Putin also presented flowers to Trufanov’s mother, Elena, and his fiancee, Sapir Cohen, who were also among some 250 hostages seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
[48] But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? [49] And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! Matthew 12 : 48-49
They were released in late 2023, as was Trufanov’s grandmother. Trufanov’s father was killed in the attacks.
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Russia’s chief rabbi and the head of the federation of Russian Jewish communities also took part in the meeting.
Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the earth, and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders of every grade. Who can read the future? Where is security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly. Rapidly men are ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. Restlessly they are waiting and watching the movements of their leaders.
An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. ST July 6, 1904, par. 1 – ST July 6, 1904, par. 2
Russia has sought to maintain good ties with both sides in the conflict, but has said a settlement in the Middle East is only possible on the basis of a two-state solution.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
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