Russia, Hamas Leaders Hold Rare Phone Conversation

Russia, Hamas Leaders Hold Rare Phone Conversation

Sergei Lavrov / AP

BY: Washington Free Beacon Staff
December 12, 2013 9:23 am
Gaza Strip Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a rare phone conversation on Wednesday, Israel Hayom reports.

Hamas government spokesman Taher Nunu said Haniyeh spoke with Lavrov for 35 minutes. He said the men discussed Israel’s peace talks with the rival Palestinian government in the West Bank, the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the Gaza Strip and “common relations.”

The discussion was the first high-level conversation in months.

In a statement issued by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Lavrov called for a “quick lifting” of the blockade on Gaza to “help relieve a difficult humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population.” He also voiced his support for an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement.
According to the Russian statement, Haniyeh told Lavrov about the social and economic situation in Gaza and discussed overcoming differences between Hamas and its rival government in the West Bank.

The Washington Free Beacon reported Wednesday that Russia is also boosting ties with Iran. Lavrov met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to discuss issues ranging from Tehran’s nuclear ambitions to Moscow’s goal of promoting “eye-catching growth” in Iran.

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