Hamas, the Palestinian-controlled Islamic group that controls the Gaza Strip, announced on November 26 that it had released a Russian-Israeli man it had been holding as a hostage.

“Following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin and in appreciation of Russia’s stance in support of the Palestinian cause, Hamas has released one detainee of Russian nationality,” it said in a statement.

The man who was released was Israeli-born Ron Krivo (25). Krivo’s release took place outside the framework of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Krivoy, the only adult man, was among nine children and nine women released on Tuesday, according to information provided to AFP by relatives, Israeli media and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

Krivoy was working as a sound technician at the music festival that was attacked by Hamas. (c)AFP