Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh along with senior Hams leaders arrived in Moscow on Sunday and met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other senior Russian officials.

During the meeting, Lavrov welcomed Hamas visit to Russia and highlighted its importance at “this critical time.”

Lavrov explained the Russian positions towards different issues related to the Palestinian cause, as well as its position towards the deal of the century.

He reiterated that Russia rejects the deal and does not think it is a plan that achieves peace and security in the region. He also highlighted the efforts exerted by Russia in this regard whether with Fatah or Hamas.

Lavrov reiterated the importance of Palestinian unity and pointed out that Russia is ready to help the Palestinians unite in order to stand strong against the deal of the century.

He hailed Hamas and appreciated its coordination and consultation with Moscow on different issues.

For his part, Hamas leader thanked Russia for supporting the Palestinian rights at different regional and international platforms.

He also expressed his appreciation to Russia for its position towards the Trump’s deal, as rejecting the deal comes in line with the consensual stance of the Palestinian people.

Hamas chief highlighted that he phoned PA President Mahmoud Abbas and sent a delegation from Hamas to participate in a meeting in Ramallah after announcing the deal.

Haniyeh stressed that it is necessary to translate such initiative into actions based on a comprehensive national strategy.

Haniyeh confirmed that Hamas supports all reconciliation endeavours and listed some options to end the division, stressing that the movement is ready to accept any deal agreed with Fatah and the other Palestinian factions.

Haniyeh pointed out that he is ready to meet with the PA President Mahmoud Abbas along with the other Palestinian factions under the auspices of Russia, Egypt or both.

Regarding Egypt, he stressed that the country plays a major role to support the Palestinian cause, especially the internal reconciliation. The top Hamas leader mentioned that the movement also welcomes any Arab endeavours to heal the split.

About the bilateral relations between Hamas and Russia, Haniyeh pointed out that Russia has a long history of backing the Palestinian cause and revolution.

He expressed Hamas interest to develop strong relations with Russia in order to support the Palestinian rights and achieve stability in the region.

Both sides discussed the humanitarian aid that Russia can provide to the Palestinian people in Gaza or in the refugee camps in the diaspora.

In the meeting with the Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov, Hamas chief discussed all developments and the practical steps that could be taken at all levels.

A senior delegation from the Hamas accompanied Haniyeh. The delegation included Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al Aruri, Chairman of Hamas Abroad Maher Salah, Head of Hamas International Relations Musa Abu Marzouq.