Palestine requests Russian support for Mahmoud Abbas’ upcoming Gaza visit

Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal has said that Palestine has requested Russia's assistance in facilitating the planned visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the Gaza Strip.

Nofal made these remarks during a press conference, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

President Abbas announced his intention to visit Gaza on August 15, during an extraordinary session of the Turkish Parliament. "The president's decision to head to Gaza represents a serious effort to achieve a ceasefire," the ambassador said. 

"We have asked for support from all our brotherly and friendly nations, and we have also reached out to Russia." Nofal noted that Palestine has sought help from the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, and has established a special commission within the state to prepare for the visit.

He believes that, while the international community struggles to resolve the situation in Gaza, the president's visit could play a crucial role in ending the violence. 

"Unfortunately, Israel continues maintaining its stance on international platforms. Therefore, we are confident that President Abbas’s arrival in Gaza could help move the situation forward," Nofal added.

The situation in the Middle East has sharply deteriorated since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants from Gaza infiltrated Israeli territory. This incursion was marked by the killing of residents in border towns and the capture of over 240 hostages. The radicals justified the attack as retaliation for Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In response, Israel has imposed a complete blockade on Gaza and initiated strikes against Gaza as well as targeted areas in Lebanon and Syria, followed by a ground operation in the enclave.