Russia signals support for US Gaza proposal, stresses two-state solution

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club plenary session in Sochi, Putin told participants that “Russia is ready to support it in general,” stressing that Moscow has long advocated a two-state solution to resolve the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

“Russia has always, since 1948, and then also in 1974, when the relevant UN Security Council resolution was adopted, advocated for the creation of two states – Israel and a Palestinian state,” he said. “And this, in my opinion, is the key to a final solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

The Russian leader said that, as far as he understood, Trump’s proposal included creating an international body to govern Gaza for a transitional period, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair named to head it. 

While acknowledging Blair’s controversial reputation, Putin noted his political experience.

“In my view, it would be better to entrust everything to President Abbas and today’s Palestinian administration,” he added. “It might be difficult for them to solve security-related issues, but … it provides for the possibility of transferring control over the Gaza Strip, including to the local police to ensure security.”

Putin suggested that such an arrangement could be “a breakthrough” if implemented sincerely and accepted by all sides. 

“What’s important, even more than the public statement, is essentially how the Israeli leadership will relate to this. Whether they will fulfil everything proposed there by the President of the United States,” he said.

“There are a lot of questions, but in general, if all these positive things I mentioned occur, it can, of course, be a breakthrough. The breakthrough can be very positive,” Putin added.

The comments marked a rare moment of alignment between Moscow and Washington, with Putin signaling openness to a U.S.-backed initiative despite ongoing tensions between the two powers on other fronts.