MOSCOW: Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, is set to meet representatives of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in Qatar next week to broker talks between Israel and Hamas to find a solution to the crisis that unfolded on October 7.
According to reports from Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency, the talks are aimed at finding a resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Moscow, emphasizing its commitment to peace, has so far condemned Israeli violence in the ongoing conflict. While reiterating its readiness to mediate, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov expressed his willingness to hold talks with Hamas representatives, stating, “If they are willing, we always are in favor of contact. Especially in this situation, the meeting would be useful for solving practical issues, including the freeing of hostages.”
Russia Can Play Construction Role
Russia’s initiative follows President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement asserting that Russia could play a constructive role in ending the crisis. President Putin also criticized Israel for what he deemed an “unacceptable” siege in Gaza and reiterated Russia’s support for the creation of a Palestinian state as the most viable solution to the conflict.
Moscow’s unique position, maintaining close ties with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities, positions the nation as a potential mediator in the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have martyred at least 2,215 people, including 724 children, the Palestinian territory’s Hamas-controlled health ministry said Saturday.
Some 458 women were among those martyred, the ministry said. It added that 8,714 people have also been wounded, after an earlier statement said at least 324 people were martyred in the past 24 hours alone.
