MOSCOW: Russia has begun efforts to free Israelis who are being held hostage by Hamas. Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that he is ready to hold talks with Hamas to release the hostages.

"If Hamas is ready, we are ready to hold talks in Qatar next week. It would be useful in resolving issues, including the release of hostages," he said.

Meanwhile, Israel's military announced that senior Hamas commander Murad Abu Murad was killed in an airstrike. Israel is claiming that Abu Murad was killed in an airstrike on the headquarters in Gaza that controlled Hamas operations. However, Hamas is yet to respond in this regard.

Following Israel's ultimatum to evacuate northern Gaza within 24 hours, the mass exodus of people continues. News agencies reported that Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement to provide facilities for those fleeing to southern Gaza.