Diplomatic Talks Emphasize Urgency to End Gaza Conflict and Restore Stability
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki underscored a shared priority: bringing an end to the fighting in the Gaza Strip as swiftly as possible. The discussions, reported by the Russian foreign diplomatic agency, highlighted a mutual concern about the humanitarian and regional toll of the ongoing crisis and the need for a durable political path forward.
In the course of the negotiations, the pair examined a range of issues that continue to intensify the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with a particular focus on conditions in Gaza. Both officials stressed that addressing the core drivers of the crisis requires coordinated international action and adherence to established norms of international conduct.
Lavrov and al-Maliki also reaffirmed the importance of restarting broader Middle East negotiations on a footing grounded in international law. The goal, they indicated, is to reestablish a framework that can support sustainable peace, reduce violence, and provide a basis for durable governance in the region.
In a separate interview,Lavrov commented on remarks attributed to a U.S. president, suggesting that there would be no delay in the establishment of a Palestinian state. The remark, reported in discussions with CBS, touched on the wider international expectations regarding statehood and the timeline for a Palestinian sovereign entity.
Lavrov noted that the Arab and Muslim worlds anticipate heightened violence if progress toward a Palestinian state stalls. The statement reflects a broader regional sensitivity to security, dignity, and political inclusion, reinforcing the sense that diplomacy must accelerate to meet legitimate national aspirations.
Earlier remarks from other observers, including European officials, indicated skepticism about certain military objectives in Gaza. A prominent voice suggested that an all-out plan to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza region faced significant strategic and practical challenges, underscoring the complexity of achieving security without compromising humanitarian norms.