Kremlin reiterates recognition of Palestine

The USSR initially took the step in 1988, and Russia continues to adhere to this policy, Dmitry Peskov has stressed

Russia recognizes Palestinian statehood, just as the Soviet Union did, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has reiterated. His comments came after Ireland, Norway, and Spain confirmed that they would formally recognize the Middle Eastern state.

The three European nations announced the move on Wednesday, in support of a “two-state solution” that aims to bring peace to the Middle East and end the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Commenting to journalists on Wednesday, Peskov noted that “the USSR recognized the State of Palestine... This is absolutely in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the two-state solution approach.”

“We are the successors of the USSR and continue our consistent and transparent position on this,” he added. 

The Palestinian National Authority, otherwise known as the State of Palestine, was formally recognized by the Soviet Union in 1988. Internationally, it is recognized as a sovereign state by 143 UN members and half of the G20 group, including China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and Türkiye.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has roundly rejected calls for a two-state solution and the possibility of a Palestinian state in territories occupied by Israel since 1967.

West Jerusalem’s opposition to the possibility of an independent Palestine on its borders has hardened since the events of October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250. In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza, killing almost 36,000 people, according to the local health authorities.

READ MORE: US opposed to ‘unilateral recognition’ of Palestinian state – White House

The growing death toll and the worsening humanitarian situation have prompted repeated warnings from the UN as well as wider international condemnation. A top prosecutor at the Hague-based International Criminal Court recently requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, as well as Netanyahu and his defense minister, accusing both sides of war crimes.