RUSSIAN, PALESTINIAN PRESIDENTS DISCUSS WORSENING GAZA CRISIS

MOSCOW/ISTANBUL, May 11 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 

A statement from the Kremlin Palace said Putin met Abbas, who was visiting for the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory against Nazi Germany in World War II and May 9 Victory Day, in Moscow.

Putin emphasised the importance of relations with Palestine and noted that the two peoples are connected by strong bonds of friendship, in the part of the meeting that was open to the media.

Addressing the situation in Gaza, Putin stressed that tragic events are unfolding in the region and indicated that more than 51,000 victims have lost their lives.

"A full-scale humanitarian disaster is taking place in the Gaza Strip," he said.

Putin also noted a worsening situation.

"The situation is further deteriorating due to decisions that prohibit the delivery of humanitarian aid, basic necessities, and electricity to the Gaza Strip," said Putin.

Abbas expressed his gratitude to Russia for its stance on Palestine.

"The Palestinian people do not want more than what international law prescribes, and they want international law to be implemented."

He emphasised the need for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza.

Abbas also criticised US President Donald Trump’s approach to Palestine, stressing opposition to the displacement of Palestinians and the idea of a "Gaza Riviera”, according to Anadolu.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU