A delegation from Hamas - Palestinian resistance group in Gaza - made its way to Moscow, seeking to explore diplomatic avenues for the resolution of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The visit was confirmed by Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a weekly briefing held on Thursday. However, specific details about the visit were not disclosed at the time of the announcement.
Russian media outlet RIA, quoting a source within the Palestinian delegation, reported that senior Hamas member Abu Marzook was among the visiting officials in Moscow.
This visit underscores Russia's continued engagement with key stakeholders in the Middle East, which includes Israel, Iran, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas.
The Russian government has consistently voiced its concerns about the current crisis in the region, attributing it to the perceived failure of U.S. diplomacy.
Moscow has actively called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need to restart peace talks aimed at achieving a lasting settlement in the Middle East.
In a separate diplomatic initiative, the Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed that Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali Baghiri Kani, is currently in Moscow. He has held discussions with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.
Notably, Ali Baghiri Kani is Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, suggesting that the talks in Moscow may have implications for ongoing negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
