IRIA News

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Moscow on August 13, 2024, for a crucial visit that underscores the deepening ties between Russia and Palestine amidst the ongoing and devastating conflict in Gaza.

Abbas’s arrival at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport was greeted by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who also serves as Russia’s special envoy for the Middle East and Africa.

The visit, which had originally been scheduled for November 15, 2023, was postponed at the request of the Palestinian side due to the dire situation in Gaza. Now, as Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the discussions centered around the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine and the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement released by the Kremlin, it was highlighted that the meeting between Abbas and Putin focused on “the current aggravation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.” These talks come at a critical time when the conflict, which has raged on for over ten months, has left the region in ruins, with widespread loss of life and suffering.

During his meeting with the Russian President, Abbas expressed that Russia was regarded as one of the “dearest friends” of the Palestinian people, while President Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to supporting a two-state solution.

🇷🇺🇵🇸 Russia's President Putin to President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas during talks:

💬 We are closely following the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Palestine with deep anguish & concern. We are making every effort to support the Palestinian people.https://t.co/oLAlhxE2GH pic.twitter.com/d60YUeiHsE

— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) August 13, 2024

“Everyone is well aware that Russia today, unfortunately, must defend its interests and defend its people with arms in hand. But what is happening in the Middle East, what is happening in Palestine, of course, does not go unnoticed on our part,” Putin stated, as per a Kremlin transcript. “And of course, we are watching with great pain and anxiety the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded in Palestine,” he added.

The situation in Gaza has been particularly dire since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive on October 7, 2023, following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. The relentless Israeli bombardment has resulted in a staggering death toll, with nearly 39,900 people, mostly women and children, losing their lives. In addition, over 92,000 others have been injured, according to local health authorities. The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a crippling blockade that has left the people of Gaza without access to essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medicine.

The visit to Moscow comes at a time when the international community is increasingly concerned about the situation in Gaza. Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its military offensive, further intensifying the conflict.

The Israeli actions have led to accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah. This city has become a focal point of the conflict, as more than a million Palestinians sought refuge there before it was invaded by Israeli forces on May 6.

During his stay in Moscow, Abbas also laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a gesture that underscores the solemnity of his visit. Furthermore, he is scheduled to hold a meeting with Arab ambassadors in Russia, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement with the Arab world in the context of the ongoing conflict.

Palestinian Ambassador to Russia, Abdel Hafiz Nofal, emphasized the significance of this visit in an interview with the state news agency TASS. He noted that the discussions between Abbas and Putin would be crucial in shaping the international response to the Gaza crisis. “This visit reflects the deep and strategic partnership between Russia and Palestine, and we expect it to result in concrete actions that will help alleviate the suffering of our people in Gaza,” Nofal said.

As the tragic events unfold in Gaza, the meeting between Abbas and Putin in Moscow provides far-reaching implications for the future of the region. Both leaders are expected to explore ways to end the violence and address the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the international community will be keenly observing the outcome of this high-stakes diplomatic engagement.