MOSCOW: Russia’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, has emphasized that Moscow expects the recent agreements reached between Israel and Hamas concerning the Gaza Strip to be fully and consistently implemented. The statement comes as Russia gives a cautious welcome to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

The agreements, which constitute the first phase of the plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, aim to halt the conflict, secure the release of hostages, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Focus on Implementation and Sustainability

Speaking to reporters from Arab countries in Moscow, Foreign Minister Lavrov stressed that the immediate priority must be the strict adherence to all commitments by both parties to ensure the ceasefire is sustainable.

“We sincerely wish success to today’s summit in Sharm el-Sheikh… I believe it is crucial that those who initiated this forum… focus on the need for an immediate ceasefire, adherence to the agreed-upon withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid,” Lavrov stated.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment, welcoming the ceasefire but adding a note of caution: “We hope that signatures will be signed today, and that actions to implement the agreements will follow.”

Mixed View on Trump’s Peace Plan

While expressing support for the immediate humanitarian and ceasefire aspects of the deal, Moscow voiced reservations about the broader political framework proposed by the U.S.

• “Best Option on the Table”: Lavrov described the U.S. plan as the “best solution we have on the table” and the most “realistic” option in the current environment. He noted that the plan holds potential for acceptance by both Arab nations and Israel.
• Vague on Statehood: However, the Foreign Minister highlighted a significant shortcoming: the plan’s lack of specificity regarding the creation of a future Palestinian state. “We have noted that Donald Trump’s peace plan only addresses the Gaza Strip. It mentions statehood, but in rather general terms,” Lavrov said.
• Need for West Bank Clarity: He pressed for more detailed approaches, stating, “It’s imperative to flesh out these approaches, including defining what will happen in the West Bank.”

Russia’s Long-Standing Position

The Russian stance remains rooted in the belief that a lasting peace is only possible through the two-state solution, in line with established international legal principles and UN resolutions.

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated this, asserting that the root cause of the conflict is the “deprivation of the Palestinian people’s sovereign right to determine their own destiny.” Russia maintains that the successful implementation of the current ceasefire and humanitarian agreements should open the door to a renewed political process aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian State coexisting peacefully with Israel.

Russia has signaled its readiness to help with future peace efforts, leveraging its contacts with all regional parties, but has clarified it “will not impose itself” on the ongoing mediation process led by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.