Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Visits Russia to Discuss Peace in West Asia with Vladimir Putin
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is visiting Russia to discuss peace in West Asia. He believes that lasting peace can only be achieved if Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories are liberated and two sovereign states, Arab and Jewish, are formed.
In an interview with Russian state media, Abbas stated, “The guarantee to achieve stability and security in the Middle East is the implementation of a decision on the formation of two states, based on international law, the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territories, which were occupied since 1967, with the capital of East Jerusalem there.”
Abbas criticized the current Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it “extremist” and accusing it of not believing in peace and positioning itself above international law. He urged Israel to agree to the two-state solution based on an international legal framework, including the Arab Peace Initiative.
According to Palestinian Ambassador to Russia, Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Abbas is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit from August 12-14. The visit comes as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States call on Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire discussions in Gaza.
On the eve of his visit, Abbas expressed confidence that the Israeli government would not be able to separate Gaza from the West Bank by military means. Tensions in the region have been high since October 7, 2003, when Hamas launched a strike on Israeli territory, leading to a military operation by Israel in Gaza.
The situation escalated further after the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s top military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have held Israel responsible and promised retaliation.
Doubts Revealed
Palestinian President -: The leader of the Palestinian people, who live in a region called Palestine.
Mahmoud Abbas -: He is the current leader of the Palestinian people.
Russia -: A large country in Europe and Asia, led by President Vladimir Putin.
West Asia -: A region that includes countries like Israel, Palestine, and others. It is also known as the Middle East.
Vladimir Putin -: The President of Russia, a powerful country.
Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories -: Areas that Palestinians believe should be theirs but are controlled by Israel.
sovereign states -: Independent countries that govern themselves.
Benjamin Netanyahu -: The Prime Minister of Israel, the leader of the Israeli government.
peace process -: Talks and efforts to stop fighting and bring peace between Israel and Palestine.
Egypt -: A country in North Africa, near Israel and Palestine.
Qatar -: A small but rich country in West Asia.
US -: Short for the United States of America, a powerful country that often helps in international issues.
Hamas -: A group in Palestine that sometimes fights with Israel.
ceasefire talks -: Discussions to stop fighting temporarily or permanently.