Hamas has reportedly asked Russia to help bridge a years-long political divide with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, aiming to create a unified government for post-war Gaza. The request came during talks in Moscow this week, as tensions over Gaza’s future intensify globally.
Behind the Scenes: Moscow’s Role
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to discuss “Palestinian national unity” and governance plans. Marzouk told Russian state media RIA that Hamas wants Moscow to push Abbas—currently attending the BRICS summit in Kazan—to negotiate a joint strategy.
The Long-Standing Divide
Hamas, which governs Gaza, and Abbas’ Fatah faction, which controls the Palestinian Authority (PA), have clashed since 2007 when Hamas expelled Fatah from the territory. The PA, established under the Oslo Accords, now holds limited authority in parts of the occupied West Bank. With Israel’s PM Netanyahu opposing PA involvement in Gaza, regional stability hangs in the balance.
🔍 Why it matters: A unified Palestinian leadership could reshape Gaza’s post-war future—but reconciling bitter rivals won’t be easy.
