Palestinian militant group Hamas is seeking Russia’s assistance to encourage Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to initiate discussions on establishing a national unity government for post-war Gaza. This request was made by Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, during his meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow.
Marzouk emphasized the importance of forming a government that would govern Gaza following the war. He also mentioned that Hamas urged Russia to prompt Abbas, who is currently attending the BRICS summit in Kazan, to commence talks regarding a unity government.
The relationship between Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah political faction, which controls the Palestinian Authority, has been strained for years. Despite this, Hamas is hopeful that Russian intervention could pave the way for unity and governance in Gaza.