Kremlin Anticipates Mahmoud Abbas’ Visit Amid Diplomatic Efforts in Gaza
The Kremlin has expressed its anticipation for a visit by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, relayed to RIA News on Tuesday that while the visit was initially slated for November, it had been postponed due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. “Abbas has a standing invitation. We hope that the visit will take place at a time convenient for both parties,” Peskov stated, underscoring the mutual interest in rescheduling the visit.
This comes in the wake of a phone conversation in December between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Abbas, during which Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to assisting with the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Kremlin’s readout of the call highlighted Russia’s ongoing support, including the provision of essential goods, medicines, and medical equipment to the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Putin emphasized the importance of ceasing the bloodshed promptly and resuming political processes aimed at establishing a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines, lending support to the efforts led by Abbas.
Israel has expressed concerns over Russia’s engagement with Hamas and its growing cooperation with Iran, alongside instances of anti-Israel rhetoric by Russian officials. Additionally, Israel’s representation at the United Nations has accused Russia of exploiting the Gaza conflict to divert international attention from its actions in Ukraine, framing it as an attempt to undermine the United States and its allies by casting aspersions on Israel’s conduct.
