RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “KREMLIN PRESS OFFICE” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY MOSCOW, RUSSIA - RELEASED ON MAY 10, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday described the situation in Palestine as "tragic events" and "a humanitarian catastrophe", criticizing the Israeli ban on aid deliveries, calling it "especially worrying." During his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow, Putin said Moscow follows the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which claimed the lives of more than 51,000 people, "with concern and empathy." "Tensions are also rising on the West Bank of the Jordan River. Gaza is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe in the truest sense of the word. Russia, as a friend of the Palestinian people, strives to provide regular assistance. Over the past year, more than 800 tons of goods, including food, medicine, and essential supplies, have been delivered to those in need," he said. The Russian president reiterated Russia's position on the resolution of the conflict, stating that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved based on a universally recognized international legal framework that supports the establishment of two states for two peoples. "We will exchange views on what else Russia can do to reduce tensions. Naturally, we will also address pressing issues on the bilateral agenda," he added. For his part, Abbas thanked Russia for its support, affirming that Moscow has consistently backed "justice, the creation of a Palestinian state, and the rights of the Palestinian people." Abbas advocated for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which suffers from shortages of food, electricity, and other vital commodities. According to the Palestinian president, his administration supports a ceasefire with Israel and rejects proposals advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians or the establishment of foreign administrations in Gaza. "No Americans or other foreigners can govern in the Gaza Strip. We want to regain control of the area. We aspire for the Palestinian Authority to administer the Gaza Strip," he emphasized. As of Saturday, at least 52,810 Palestinians have died in Israel's war on Gaza since October 2023, according to the health ministry of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army resumed attacks on the Gaza Strip on March 18, killing 2,701 people and injuring 7,432 others, breaking a ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement that started in January. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a separate genocide case at the International Court of Justice stemming from its actions in the besieged territory.