MOSCOW

Russia welcomes the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas on a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages, which is set to take effect on Sunday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov noted that Russia did not take part in the negotiations that led to the agreement.

However, he said, "Any settlement that brings about a cease-fire, alleviates the suffering of the people in Gaza, and enhances Israel's security is something we can only welcome."

He emphasized that it would be premature to offer congratulations to the parties involved. "Let us wait for the process to be fully finalized," he remarked.

Earlier late Wednesday evening, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani announced that mediation efforts by Doha, Cairo, and Washington had led to an agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners, as well as the implementation of a cease-fire in Gaza.