MOSCOW

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that without the establishment of the Palestinian state, a long-term settlement in the Middle East is impossible.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Zakharova said the tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians over more than two years, coupled with escalating tensions in the West Bank, underscores that the Palestinian issue continues to be pivotal for the Middle East.

"Resolving it significantly influences the chances of attaining enduring peace and stability across the entire region," she said.

Zakharova emphasized that addressing this challenge can only be achieved through political and diplomatic measures based on established UN resolutions.

"It is our conviction that without establishing an independent, territorially contiguous state of Palestine coexisting harmoniously and securely alongside Israel, the much-anticipated peace in the Middle East cannot materialize," she said.

Commenting on the capture of El Fasher, Sudan, by the paramilitary Rapid Reaction Forces, Zakharova pointed out widespread reports of mass violence, executions, and ethnically motivated crimes against civilians there.

"Approximately 200,000 people, including tens of thousands of women and children, remain trapped in the city under dire humanitarian conditions," she said.

Moscow condemns these crimes and calls for the international community to unite to end the violence, ensure accountability, and facilitate urgent humanitarian access, she said.

"Russia reaffirms its support for a Sudanese-led political process that respects the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that an immediate ceasefire and inclusive dialogue are the paramount priorities for a sustainable settlement," Zakharova said.