Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is aimed at prolonging the conflict in Gaza.
He added that he would discuss the regional crisis with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow on August 12-14. This information was reported by Reuters.
Haniya, the political leader of Hamas, was assassinated last week in the Iranian capital Tehran, sparking threats of retaliation against Israel and fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East. Abbas described the killing as a "cowardly act and a dangerous development in Israeli politics", saying it would have a negative impact on negotiations to end the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Abbas also called for handing over control of the Gaza Strip to the legitimate Palestinian Authority and voiced strong opposition to Israeli plans for interim solutions. He plans to coordinate positions and strengthen bilateral relations with Putin by discussing the peace process in the region.
Russia, which maintains close ties to both Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Arab leaders, condemned Haniya's killing and called on all countries to refrain from further destabilizing the Middle East.