MOSCOW — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed on Wednesday concern over the possible collapse of the Gaza cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow after a meeting with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yousif Sharif, Lavrov said his counterpart shared the concern.
“We talked, of course, about regional affairs, first of all about the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. We are concerned about the implementation of the agreements between Israel and Hamas, the parties accuse each other of violating the agreements of Jan. 19,” he said.
The minister highlighted Israel’s threats to resume the military operation, noting it will be “very, very sad” if that happens.
Russia is making efforts to prevent such a development in contacts with the UN and Arab countries, Lavrov said.
“And it is clear that the final settlement of the Palestinian problem, the oldest conflict in the Middle East, is possible only through the realization of the legitimate right of the Palestinians to establish their own state, as they have repeatedly, solemnly, officially and politically and legally promised,” he stressed.
The truce that suspended Israel’s war on Gaza that began on Oct. 7, 2023 and saw the release of Israeli hostages in exchange of Palestinian prisoners is said to be at risk of collapse.
While Hamas delayed the sixth exchange scheduled for Saturday “until further notice” citing Israeli violations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to resume the fighting in Gaza if captives are not freed this week.
US President Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and relocate Palestinians to other countries has added to the tension.
Trump has also warned that “all hell” would break loose if every Israeli hostage is not released by Saturday noon.
Russian naval base in Sudan
Responding to a question about an agreement between Russia and Sudan on the establishment of a Russian naval base in the African country, Sharif said the two nations “have come to an understanding” on the issue.
“We have come to an understanding on this issue. Therefore, the question is quite simple. I have nothing to add. We agreed, we agreed, we reached an agreement on everything,” he said.
In November 2020, Moscow and Khartoum agreed on the establishment of a Russian naval base in the North African country. — AA
