By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - The tragedy that is unfolding in the Gaza Strip is a result of a "disdainful attitude towards the Middle East settlement process," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
Speaking at an online news conference, Peskov pointed out that the conflict has been going on for decades, and the world is now witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a "topic on the agenda of all world leaders" and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss the recent developments with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at a forthcoming meeting, he said.
"You know that before his departure to Beijing, Putin held a 'telephone marathon' on Middle Eastern affairs, so the leaders have what to exchange of, even more so since the situation is developing quite quickly, tensions remain," he said.
Peskov said Putin does not intend to propose any peace initiatives concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip, although he may have already formed an opinion based on the results of his phone conversations with the leaders of Egypt, Iran, Israel, Palestine, and Syria.
"Initiative should not be just to manifest something. The goal is to help the settlement. Now, before helping the settlement, we need to help get out of the state of hot war," he said.
The spokesman said preparations are underway for a visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas soon.
Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued since the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Palestinian group Hamas.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.
- Relations with the West
Commenting on remarks by US President Joe Biden, who spoke about prospects of "putting down" Putin, Peskov said many Western leaders want to suppress Russia.
"This is not a new idea. Biden makes such statements, European leaders, everyone wants to suppress Russia, everyone wants to suppress Putin ... So far, they (Western leaders) are not succeeding and will not succeed in future either," he stressed.
Peskov also declined as "groundless" Western media claims that North Korea started weapons deliveries to Russia.
"Not only British, the US intelligence also reports all the time (about arms deliveries from North Korea to Russia), without giving any evidence," he said.
North Korea is Russia's neighbor and Moscow will continue building mutually beneficial ties in all areas based on respect, the official added.
Asked about the recent parliamentary election in Poland, the spokesman said Moscow does not anticipate any policy changes as there have been no indications in Warsaw of a potential willingness to mend relations with Russia.