Palestinian Leader Visits Moscow Amid Gaza Conflict

In a significant diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for their first in-person discussion since 2021. The meeting, primarily focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, is seen by experts as largely symbolic, reflecting Russia's attempts to maintain its influence in the Middle East despite limited sway over the actual conflict dynamics. Analysts suggest that the Kremlin's engagement is more about showcasing its soft power rather than effecting real change in the region. Historically, Russia has sought to balance its relationships with both Israel and Palestine, a strategy complicated by its military involvement in Syria alongside Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which opposes Israel. Moscow has expressed concerns over Israel's potential military support for Ukraine, appreciating Israel's restraint in this regard. However, tensions have escalated, particularly as Israel increasingly acts unilaterally in Syria, often informing rather than consulting Russia on military operations. The relationship between Russia and Israel has further deteriorated due to criticisms surrounding the Gaza conflict and Russia's acceptance of Hamas. Putin's controversial comparison of the Gaza bombardment to the siege of Leningrad has also strained ties, leading to a more cautious diplomatic approach from Moscow. As the Kremlin navigates these complexities, its current goals appear to be more modest, focusing on smaller-scale diplomatic efforts, such as negotiating the release of Russian hostages held by Hamas.