Abbas to Meet Putin in Moscow Amid Middle East Tensions

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, is set to visit Moscow from August 12-14, 2024, according to Russia's state news agency RIA. This diplomatic mission comes at a critical time, following the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

In an interview with RIA, Abbas expressed his views on Haniyeh's killing:

"There is no doubt the purpose of Mr. Haniyeh's assassination is to prolong the war and expand its scope. It will have a negative impact on the ongoing negotiations to end the aggression and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza."

The Palestinian leader described the assassination as a "cowardly act" and a "dangerous development in Israeli politics." He emphasized that the Gaza Strip should be transferred to the control of legitimate Palestinian authorities, opposing any temporary solutions proposed by Israel.

Abbas's visit to Moscow aims to discuss the peace process and coordinate positions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Palestinian leader stated, "The main goal of our visit is to hold consultations and exchange views on the latest events in the Palestinian and international arenas, coordinate positions and strengthen bilateral relations in all areas."

Russia has condemned Haniyeh's killing and called for restraint from all parties to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East. The country has consistently advocated for an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, criticizing Western nations for neglecting this issue.

Following his Moscow visit, Abbas is expected to travel to Turkey on August 14-15, 2024, further expanding his diplomatic efforts in the region.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has become one of the longest in the region's recent history. The assassination of Haniyeh, who had been involved in internationally brokered ceasefire efforts, has raised concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict into a wider Middle East war.

In a related development, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on August 5, 2024. During this meeting, Pezeshkian expressed Iran's determination to expand ties with Russia, which it considers a strategic partner.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, Abbas's diplomatic mission to Moscow and Turkey underscores the complex web of international relations and the ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.