Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has always supported establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“As regards establishing a Palestinian state, we have a principled position. It has nothing to do with today’s crisis, although, of course, it brings this problem to the forefront. Nevertheless, we have always favored establishing a sovereign and independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Putin said.
He underlined that there a differences in views among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the rest of Palestine that shouldn’t be interpreted as hostility between the two groups.
While acknowledging internal disagreements within the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza, he said they aren’t necessarily adversarial.
Pointing to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s non-aggressive stance towards the Gaza Strip, Putin emphasized the importance of unity within the Palestinian society.
However, he reiterated that it’s up to the Palestinians to decide on their unity and Russia cannot dictate this process.
The region witnessed increased tensions after Hamas, based in Gaza, launched an unexpected attack on Israel on October 7.
This attack, according to Hamas, was in retaliation against actions by Israeli authorities at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Israel responded by declaring a state of war readiness, implementing a full blockade on Gaza, and launching air strikes in Gaza, parts of Lebanon, and Syria. Disturbances have also erupted in the West Bank.
