Putin Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow's support for Palestinian statehood during a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Putin emphasized the need for a fully-fledged Palestinian state as essential for lasting peace, while expressing deep concern over civilian casualties in Gaza amid ongoing violence. The meeting comes in the wake of a recent Israeli airstrike that killed at least 93 people, including children, escalating international criticism of Israel's military actions. Abbas thanked Russia for its support, highlighting Russia's significant role in the Middle East geopolitical landscape. Putin's remarks reflect Russia's attempt to position itself as a neutral party, although he has consistently criticized Israel's military response to the conflict. Since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7, Israeli operations have reportedly resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, prompting calls for adherence to UN resolutions to ensure Palestinian rights.