MOSCOW

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday welcomed the cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, expressing optimism that it will pave the way for broader normalization.

"We hope the implementation of this agreement will contribute to the sustainable stabilization of the situation in Gaza, create conditions for the return of all temporarily displaced persons, and enable the reconstruction of everything destroyed during the fighting," Zakharova said during a press briefing in Moscow.

She noted that since the onset of the Gaza crisis in the fall of 2023, Moscow has consistently advocated for a cease-fire and the provision of essential humanitarian aid to those in need in the coastal enclave.

"Regrettably, all attempts to adopt a resolution in the UN Security Council that included these requirements were blocked by the US. The Biden administration took a one-sided and overtly unconstructive stance on this issue," Zakharova remarked.

The official also highlighted key aspects of the cease-fire agreement, which is set to take effect on Sunday—hostilities will cease throughout the Palestinian enclave, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces will begin, with a substantial increase in the supply of food, fuel, and medicines to residents.

The spokeswoman also praised Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts, noting that the US joined the peace process at the final stage as well.

"These significant achievements were made possible largely through the patient and persistent efforts of Qatari and Egyptian mediators, whose diplomatic contributions deserve the highest commendation," she added.

The agreement will allow Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to reunite with their families, and "we expect that Russian citizen Alexander Tufanov, who is currently in the Gaza Strip, will be among those released," Zakharova said.

Moscow hopes that the implementation of these agreements will lay the groundwork for a better overall situation in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, she remarked.

"We believe that signing this agreement will help create the conditions for a comprehensive political resolution to the Palestinian issue based on universally recognized international legal principles.

“The ultimate goal is to establish an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, that can coexist peacefully and securely with Israel," Zakharova said.

Russia continues to believe that there is no viable alternative to this approach, she said, emphasizing that only the two-state formula, as approved by UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, can end the cycle of violence and establish long-term peace in the Middle East.

The spokesperson also shared details about Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s recent discussions with two Hamas members over the phone.

During the talks, the officials expressed gratitude to Russia for its consistent efforts to uphold the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, as well as its principled stance in favor of a just solution, Zakharova said. They also expressed their perspective on the agreement.

"The Russian side reiterated the priority of securing the release of Russian citizen Alexander Tufanov from the enclave. We hope our humanitarian requests, previously communicated to the Hamas leadership, will be taken into account," the spokesperson said.

She concluded by affirming that Russia will closely monitor the developments surrounding the situation.