Al-Qassam ‘Impressed’ By Putin’s Stand; Hamas Releases Russian, American, Thai Nationals

Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades released a third batch of hostages on Sunday as part of an exchange deal with Israel. The militant group based in Gaza also released a Russian, an American and three Thai nationals from the besieged Palestinian enclave. In a statement, the Qassam Brigades said that it was due to the intervention of Russian President Vladimir Putin that it released a Russian citizen. Al Jazeera reported that it seems Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin have a separate agreement on the release of hostages from Russia and Thailand. The militants also released the first American national – a four-year-old girl – from their captivity. Watch the video for more.