Russia to host inter-Palestinian meeting in Moscow later this month

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia will host an inter-Palestinian meeting in Moscow from Feb. 29 to March 2, presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov said on Friday.

Moscow has invited representatives of all Palestinian political forces, including those in Syria, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries, Bogdanov, who is also the deputy foreign minister, told state news agency TASS. Representatives of about 14 organizations including Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been invited, he said.

"Moscow's goal is to help the various Palestinian forces agree to unite their ranks politically. We proceed from the fact that the Palestine Liberation Organization has been and remains the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, it has been accepted by the international community and by us," the minister added.

Asked about hostages in Gaza, the diplomat said there are three Russian citizens held by Hamas, but there are many others as well whom Moscow is trying to help.

"There are also direct appeals from a number of countries, leaders, for us to use our unique opportunities to liberate their citizens as well. Which is what we are doing and will continue to do," he said.

Bogdanov said the concentration of people in Rafah complicates the liberation of hostages, and voiced concern over Israel's plan to expand its military operation to the southern city.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Palestinian group Hamas in October, killing more than 28,700 people, mostly women and children. About 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial Hamas incursion.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in an interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.