MOSCOW, January 21, 2026 (WAFA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

This came during his annual press conference held at the Russian Foreign Ministry building in Moscow.

Speaking about the situation in Gaza, Lavrov said, “For a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict, UN resolutions concerning the establishment of a Palestinian state must be implemented. This criterion also applies to US President Donald Trump’s initiative to form a peace council.”

He added that Russia had received an invitation to participate in the “peace council” established within the framework of the Gaza peace plan, and that Moscow had received a draft of the council’s statute. He indicated his country’s desire to clarify the details of this offer through communication with the American side.

Lavrov stressed: "We support evaluating all opportunities that could contribute to resolving the problems of the Palestinian people, especially the serious humanitarian crises resulting from Israeli military operations. Israel's practices are outside the framework of international humanitarian law. After addressing these issues, the political solution process must be launched and UN resolutions implemented. Stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the establishment of a Palestinian state."

K.T