Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Palestinians have the right to form a state of their own, with the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip included. He conveyed this position in an interview with TASS, emphasizing that any path forward must recognize the Palestinians’ legitimate national aspirations across all territories they claim. The remark reflects Moscow’s call for a solution that respects Palestinian sovereignty and territorial claims as part of a broader regional settlement.
Lavrov added that, ultimately, every feasible option should advance the Palestinians’ rightful ability to establish a state over their entire national territory, which encompasses the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The emphasis underscores a consistent Russian stance that a comprehensive peace settlement must enshrine Palestinian statehood across the disputed areas, balancing security concerns and political realities on the ground.
Earlier, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas indicated that the Palestinian National Authority is prepared to assume administration of the Gaza Strip once Israel completes its military operation there. He also suggested that East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank could be governed from Ramallah as components of a single Palestinian state. This vision reflects a long-standing goal of unifying these territories under one governmental framework while maintaining regional security and governance arrangements.
The Palestinian National Authority was created in 1994 as a product of the Oslo Accords, the agreements reached between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. While the PNA represents a defined administrative authority, a fully sovereign State of Palestine has not been realized, and practical sovereignty over the territories remains disputed and limited in many respects. The structure of authority on the ground continues to experience competing claims and unilateral actions, shaping the political landscape and the prospects for statehood in the near term.
Meanwhile, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to take steps to undermine and destroy Hamas, a group that has played a central role in the Gaza conflict. The stated objective of dismantling Hamas has influenced both Israeli security policy and the broader regional dynamics, affecting negotiations, ceasefire discussions, and international responses aimed at stabilizing the region.