ASTANA, July 4 Qatar is an effective mediator in the conflict between Hamas and Israel, is making vigorous efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
On the sidelines of the SCO summit, the Russian leader held talks with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
«You are one of the most effective mediators in the crisis in the Middle East, between Hamas and Israel. We are well aware that you are making very energetic efforts to agree on positions on a ceasefire and on the exchange of detainees,» he said Putin.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented-scale rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After this, fighters from the Palestinian Hamas movement entered the border areas, opened fire on military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to authorities, about 1.2 thousand people died.
The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip, which includes attacks on civilian targets. Israel announced a complete blockade of the enclave: supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food and medicine were stopped. The Gaza Strip is effectively divided into southern and northern parts, and Israel is conducting a ground operation in Rafah, which is considered the last stronghold of Hamas.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the parties to stop hostilities. According to Moscow's position, a settlement is possible only on the basis of a formula approved by the UN Security Council with the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem.