Hamas politburo member Mousa Abu Marzouk has arrived in Moscow for a planned visit, according to a report by Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti on Wednesday. Citing diplomatic sources, the report indicated that Abu Marzouk is set to hold a series of meetings with Russian officials, though further details about the discussions were not provided. This will be their first face to face meeting since 2021.
Russia’s Middle East Diplomatic Relations
Russia maintains diplomatic ties with key players across the Middle East, including Israel, Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas. Moscow has positioned itself as a mediator in the region and has often criticised the United States’ handling of Middle East diplomacy. Amid the ongoing crisis between Israel and Hamas, Russia has called for a ceasefire and the resumption of talks aimed at achieving a peace settlement.
Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that has governed Gaza since 2007. It is considered a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the US, Israel, and the European Union, though some nations, including Russia, do not share this designation. Russia has not blacklisted Hamas as a terrorist organisation, welcoming the group’s delegates to Moscow after their victory in the 2006 Palestinian elections and treating them as a legitimate political force.
Hamas is known for its armed resistance against Israel, regularly engaging in military confrontations, including rocket attacks and clashes at the Gaza-Israel border. The current crisis in Gaza escalated after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, triggering a military response. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza, with international calls for ceasefire and peace talks ongoing. Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which it says is necessary for security, continues to exacerbate humanitarian issues in the region, further complicating efforts to achieve a long-term solution.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
