The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, expressing profound gratitude for Russia’s unwavering support for Palestine, especially amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
President Abbas lauded Russia’s consistent backing of Palestinian statehood, stating, “We appreciate Russia’s consistent stance in favor of the Palestinian cause—politically, economically, and in other spheres. We recognize that Russia invariably stands for justice and advocates for the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, grounded in international law,” according to TASS.
This meeting underscores the deep-rooted ties between Russia and Palestine, with Russia historically advocating for Palestinian rights and statehood on the international stage.
Amid the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, President Abbas highlighted Russia’s critical assistance, notably the recent donation of 30,000 tonnes of wheat. He emphasized its significance in alleviating severe shortages, describing the aid as “a balm for the soul of our people” .
The wheat shipment is expected to arrive at Israeli ports next month, with plans to redirect the entire cargo to the Gaza Strip, where there is an acute shortage of food, electricity, and other necessities, According to TASS.
According to WAFA Agency, During his visit, President Abbas also met with Russia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Ravil Ğaynetdin, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of the Palestinian people and reaffirming his full support for the Muslim community in Russia.
These engagements reflect the multifaceted relationship between Russia and Palestine, encompassing political, humanitarian, and religious dimensions.
Russia’s involvement in the Middle East has been characterized by a delicate balancing act, maintaining relations with various regional actors while advocating for Palestinian rights. Moscow has consistently pressed for a two-state solution and has expressed readiness to facilitate mediatory efforts within the UN framework.
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In response to recent proposals by the US regarding the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip, the Kremlin reiterated its support for a two-state solution, emphasizing that the creation of a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel is the only viable resolution to the Middle East conflict.
According to Reuters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s position that the only way to resolve the Middle East conflict was through the creation of a Palestinian state to exist side-by-side with Israel. “This is the thesis that is enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolution, this is the thesis that is shared by the overwhelming majority of countries involved in this problem. We proceed from it, we support it and believe that this is the only possible option.”
