Russia initiates multi-party Palestine peace talks amid Gaza war intensification

Chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the talks are set to begin on 29 February and are projected to last two to three days.

"We've invited all representatives from Palestine - all political forces that have a presence in various countries, including Syria and Lebanon, as well as other countries of the region," said Mikhail Bogdanov, the deputy head of the Foreign Ministry, who also functions as Vladimir Putin's special envoy to the Middle East.

"The composition is roughly the same as at the two previous meetings. It involves between 12 and 14 organisations," the Deputy Minister highlighted.

"We assert that the Palestine Liberation Organisation was and remains the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and this is acknowledged by the international community and by us," the deputy minister states.

The invitation comes at a critical juncture as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to intensify, eliciting international attention and concern. The Israeli portal i24 observes that "Russia's proactive attitude in convening talks mirrors its increasing criticism of Israel and its Western allies." Moscow's position, however, is aimed at "marking its influence in the region".

The inclusion of organisations from other countries in the region is also deliberate. Armed pro-Palestinian militias are operating in both Syria and Lebanon, with funding from Iran.