Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for a Palestinian state to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He made these remarks during a meeting with BRICS media managers in Moscow. Putin argued that the conflict cannot be resolved without establishing a “full-fledged” Palestinian state. He stated, “The primary solution to the Palestinian problem is the establishment of a fully-fledged Palestinian state.” He added that Russia has maintained this position since the Soviet era.
Putin also called for the reactivation of the Middle East Quartet. This group includes international organizations such as the UN, the US, and Russia. He urged these parties to resume mediation efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “It was a mistake by the US to disrupt the work of the Quartet,” he said. He noted that this disruption made it difficult to coordinate positions among the involved parties. Putin criticized the US for monopolizing peace efforts and assuming full responsibility, which he said ultimately led to failure.
IDF’s Statement
In related developments, the Israeli military announced the killing of Mahmoud Hamdan, a bodyguard of slain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. This incident occurred in southern Gaza, near the site where Sinwar was killed two days earlier. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “Today (Friday), Mahmoud Hamdan was eliminated by the IDF during an encounter with IDF troops, approximately 200 meters from the spot where Sinwar was eliminated.” The military identified Hamdan as the commander of Hamas’s Tal al-Sultan Battalion, responsible for guarding Sinwar.
Experts predict that Hamas will likely appoint a new political leader based outside Gaza. They believe Yahya Sinwar’s brother, Mohammad Sinwar, may take on a more significant role in directing operations against Israel in the territory.
Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif Appeals for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s Release
Joe Biden’s Comment
US President Joe Biden commented on the possibility of a ceasefire in Lebanon but noted that achieving one in Gaza would be more challenging. Speaking during a visit to Berlin, Biden stated he understood how and when Israel might respond to missile attacks from Iran. However, he refrained from providing further details.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited Lebanon, marking the first visit by a head of state since tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah. Upon her arrival at Beirut International Airport, Meloni was welcomed by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The two leaders planned to hold talks before addressing the press together.
Italy contributes approximately 1,000 troops to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon. This contingent has faced repeated Israeli fire in recent days. Meloni condemned these incidents as “unacceptable.”
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, Putin’s call for a Palestinian state underscores the complexity of the conflict. The reactivation of the Middle East Quartet could play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue. However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, particularly amid ongoing military actions and political maneuvers.
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