MOSCOW, Russia: Hamas is urging Russia to facilitate negotiations between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the group to form a national unity government for post-war Gaza.
This request came from Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior member of Hamas, following his meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow, according to news appearing in Arab media.
Marzouk emphasized the importance of creating a governing body for Gaza after the ongoing conflict, suggesting that Russia could play a crucial role in encouraging Abbas to initiate discussions on this front.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Abbas and controlled by the Fatah party, has historically been at odds with Hamas, which governs Gaza.
The PA, established under the Oslo Accords, has limited authority over parts of the West Bank, but its relationship with Hamas remains complex.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong objections to any involvement of the PA in Gaza’s administration, complicating the prospect of a unified Palestinian government.
The push for unity comes amid growing recognition of the need for a cohesive leadership in the wake of the conflict, reflecting both internal Palestinian dynamics and external geopolitical pressures.