Moscow stands for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts, including those in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday during a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Putin praised Russia’s “long-standing, deep-rooted ties with the Arab world, and in particular with Palestine,” adding that it causes “great concern that a humanitarian catastrophe is occurring in Palestine right now.” The comments came after Abbas arrived in Moscow for an official three-day visit.

According to the Russian leader, the roots of the Gaza conflict date back a long time, and are the result of international resolutions being ignored regarding the formation and creation of an independent Palestinian state.

“To establish long-lasting, reliable peace in the region, it is necessary that all the resolutions of the United Nations are implemented, first of all an independent Palestinian State must be established,” Putin stressed. “We have adhered to this position for a long time and it hasn’t changed with the changes of political environment.” 

The Russian president said the situation in Gaza is of “great concern” due to mass losses among the civilian population, mostly women and children. According to the UN, the death toll has already approached 40,000 people, he noted.

“We do everything we can to support the Palestinian people. As you know we have already sent some 700 tons of humanitarian aid,” Putin concluded.

Abbas thanked the Russian government and people, saying: “We feel that Russia is one of the dearest friends of the Palestinian people.” 

He pointed out that since 1947, more than 1,000 resolutions have been adopted by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

“Only one resolution, if implemented, could have helped the Palestinian people to ensure their rights,” Abbas said, adding that “nevertheless, due to the pressure from the United States this mission has failed.” 

Western countries that favor Palestinian statehood have thrown their support behind the Palestinian Authority, which is internationally considered the representative of the Palestinian people, but is a rival of Hamas and only controls parts of the West Bank.

Currently the State of Palestine is recognized by 146 UN members and half of the G20, including China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and Türkiye.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to allow the creation of a fully functional Palestinian state. However, Israeli authorities have seen a steady decline in Western support due to the mounting death toll resulting from the latest incursion into Gaza.