Palestine is increasingly seeking Russia's support in light of the growing US aid to Israel, according to John Quigley, professor emeritus of international law at Ohio University and an author of several books on the Middle East conflict. In a conversation with a TASS correspondent, Quigley emphasized the importance of Russia's role for Palestine, especially as US diplomatic and practical support for Israel continues to strengthen.
“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Moscow underscores the need for Palestine to seek assistance from other nations, particularly Russia,” Quigley explained. He highlighted that the US has been the sole country in the UN Security Council to oppose Palestine's admission as a member of the United Nations, continuing to deny Palestine's status as a state. In contrast, Quigley noted that Russia, following the tradition of the former USSR, has consistently supported Palestinian self-determination.
Quigley recalled the historical context of 1967, when the USSR proposed that the UN Security Council condemn Israel for its aggressive invasion of other Arab territories. “It is logical that the Palestinian government would welcome Russia's involvement in resolving the situation in a way that respects the Palestinian people's right to self-determination,” he added.
Abbas's Visit to Russia
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Russia last week, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Novo-Ogaryovo on August 13. The discussions, which lasted about three hours, took place amid Israel's ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip and the death of Hamas politburo chairman Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. During the meeting, President Putin expressed Russia's deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and reiterated Moscow's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. Abbas, in turn, referred to Russia as one of Palestine's closest friends.
In an interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman following the meeting, Abbas underscored that Palestine would never agree to Russia's exclusion from the Middle East peace process. He stressed that Russia “has always pursued and continues to pursue peaceful solutions” and is committed to achieving “a just resolution to the Middle East issue in accordance with international law.”
Escalating Situation in the Middle East
The situation in the Middle East has sharply escalated since October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip on Israeli territory. In response, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza aimed at dismantling the military and political infrastructure of the Hamas movement and securing the release of all hostages.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS