Palestinian President Abbas thanks Putin for support in Gaza Strip

President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas thanked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation for the support provided to the Gaza Strip.

According to the WAFA news agency, the president thanked Putin for the political support provided by Russia at all international forums, humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as well as for the decision to send a Russian field hospital. The Kremlin press service reported that the two leaders discussed issues related to the «escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, primarily in the Gaza Strip. Putin informed Abbas about the steps Russia is taking to de-escalate the conflict and ensure «uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. Moscow will continue to supply medicines and medical equipment to the Gaza Strip. In addition, the presidents expressed their desire to further strengthen “friendly Russian-Palestinian relations”. Putin invited Abbas to “visit Russia at a mutually acceptable time”. Since the beginning of the new escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Russian officials have repeatedly called for de-escalation and an end to hostilities. On December 22, an Il-76 aircraft of the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered 20 tons of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza. In total, since the start of the mission of the Russian rescue agency in the conflict zone, 390 tons of food, medicine, and clothing have been delivered.