Russian President Vladimir Putin recently expressed his concerns over the ongoing conflict in Palestine during a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow. The meeting took place on August 13, 2024, and marked the beginning of Abbas’s three-day visit to the Russian capital.
In his address to the gathering, Putin emphasized Russia’s longstanding and deep-rooted ties with the Arab world, particularly with Palestine. He expressed “great concern” that a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Palestine at the present time. The roots of the Gaza conflict, according to Putin, lie in the international resolutions concerning the creation of an independent Palestinian state being disregarded.
He underscored the importance of implementing all United Nations resolutions to establish lasting peace in the region, emphasizing that “an independent Palestinian State must be established.” Putin reiterated that this stance has remained consistent despite changes in the political environment over time.
The Russian leader cited the alarming loss of civilian life as a major cause for concern in Gaza. He highlighted that the death toll had reached an estimated 40,000 people, according to UN figures. Putin reiterated Russia’s support for the Palestinian people and noted that Moscow had already provided some 700 tons of humanitarian aid.
Abbas expressed gratitude for Russia’s unwavering support and described the country as “one of the dearest friends of the Palestinian people.” He mentioned that more than 1,000 resolutions have been adopted by the UN General Assembly and Security Council since 1947, but only one resolution could have ensured the rights of the Palestinian people. Unfortunately, he added, this mission has failed due to pressure from the United States.
Western countries that support Palestinian statehood have backed the Palestinian Authority, which is internationally recognized as the representative of the Palestinian people but faces competition from Hamas and controls only parts of the West Bank. The State of Palestine is currently recognized by 146 UN members and half of the G20, including China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and Türkiye.
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow not to allow a fully functional Palestinian state, there has been a noticeable decline in Western support for Israel as the death toll continues to rise in the latest Gaza incursion.