Palestinian President Advocates for Two-State Solution in Russia Visit

During his visit to Russia, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the need for a two-state solution involving the withdrawal of Israel from occupied territories for lasting peace in West Asia. Abbas criticized Israel's current government and planned discussions with Russian officials on the conflict.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, currently visiting Russia, has proclaimed that long-standing peace in West Asia hinges on the liberation of Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and the establishment of two sovereign states: an Arab and a Jewish state, according to state media reports.

In an interview with Russian state media TASS, 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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, labeling it as "extremist" and claiming it dismisses peace efforts and international law, creating further tensions in the region. Abbas reiterated that Israel must comply with an international legal framework, including the Arab Peace Initiative, for a two-state solution.

According to Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Abbas's official visit to Russia, scheduled for August 12-14, included a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit coincides with calls from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire talks in Gaza.

On the eve of his Moscow visit, Abbas mentioned in an interview with Sputnik his intention to discuss the peace process for Palestinian settlement. He voiced confidence that Israel would fail to separate Gaza from the West Bank "by military means."

Regional tensions surged on October 7, 2003, when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel responded with a military operation in Gaza. The region's instability further worsened after the killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah's top commander Fuad Shukr, for which Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah blamed Israel, promising retaliation. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)