Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 16 met three hostages released by Hamas from captivity in Gaza. During the meeting, Putin told the freed hostages that their release was possible due to Russia’s “longstanding” ties with the “Palestinian representatives.” Putin also used the occasion to express “gratitude” to the political leadership of Hamas for the “humanitarian act.”During the meeting at the Kremlin, Putin also vowed to do ‘everything’ for ‘all’ hostages to be set free. Meanwhile, Israel said on April 16 that it converted 30% of Gaza into a buffer zone as it pressed its unrelenting military offensive. The Israeli military said that it had “achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip.” “Approximately 30 percent of the Gaza Strip’s territory is now designated as an Operational Security Perimeter”, the IDF said. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION4:18 IDF CLAIMS “FULL OPERATIONAL CONTROL” OVER 30% OF GAZA TERRITORY6:38 US ENVOY CONTRADICTS ISRAELI CLAIM ABOUT OFFER MADE TO HAMAS7:52 WITKOFF ‘CRIED’ SEEING VIDEO OF HOSTAGE HELD IN GAZA