Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Israel’s war on Gaza, marking their first face-to-face meeting since 2021. The meeting is seen as more symbolic than having actual influence on the conflict by experts. Russia’s engagement with the Palestine issue is also about solidifying its presence in the Arab world and showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause, contrasting the US support for Israel.
Russia has historically supported Palestine, hosting delegations from Hamas, Fatah, and Islamic Jihad in an attempt to bridge divides. However, Russia’s influence over Palestinian factions is limited, and its motions for a ceasefire in Gaza have been vetoed at the UN Security Council by Western nations. Despite sending aid to Gaza, experts believe Moscow’s involvement may not yield significant results.
The relationship between Russia and Israel is complex, with historical ties dating back to the Soviet era when the USSR recognized Israel as a state. However, Russia has also supported Arab nations and Palestinian liberation movements, leading to strained relations with Israel. Recent tensions have emerged over Russia’s involvement in Syria supporting Hezbollah, an enemy of Israel.
The assassination of Hamas’s political chief in Tehran has further complicated matters, with Iran, Russia’s ally, promising retaliation. Russia condemned the killing and urged all sides to show restraint, highlighting the potential for conflicts involving Israel, Iran, and the US. The strained relations between Russia and Israel suggest that Moscow may have smaller-scale diplomatic goals, such as facilitating the release of Russian-Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
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