Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the American proposal regarding Gaza, emphasizing that there are several questions about the administration of the sector by an international body, mainly how long it will operate and to whom the authority will be transferred.

President Putin confirmed that Russia is generally ready to support US President Donald Trump’s proposal regarding the Gaza Strip, stressing that the administration should be transferred to the Palestinian Authority.

Putin said during a session of the Valdai International Discussion Forum: “Regarding President Trump’s proposal on Gaza, this may surprise you, but Russia is generally ready to support it. Of course, we must carefully study the proposals presented, and of course, provided that it leads to the ultimate goal we have always talked about.”

He pointed out that Russia has always called for the establishment of two states – Israel and Palestine – which is the key to the final resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Russian president expressed his belief that a glimmer of hope may appear at the end of the tunnel for the ongoing Middle East conflict, saying: “It seems to me that there is some hope at the end of the tunnel, it may appear despite everything.”

Regarding the proposal to establish an international body to manage the Gaza Strip for a period, headed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Putin said: “He is not known as a great peacemaker, but I know him personally. Moreover, I visited his home and family house, and we drank coffee together in the morning while wearing pajamas… He is a man with his own opinions, an experienced politician, and generally, of course, if his activities, expertise, and knowledge are directed towards a peaceful path, he can play a positive role.”

However, he pointed out that several questions arise immediately, the most important being: “How long will this international administration operate, and how and to whom will the authority be transferred afterward?”

The president added: “As I understand, in this regard, the possibility of transferring authority to the Palestinian Authority was mentioned. In my opinion, it would generally be better to transfer everything to President Abbas’s administration and the current Palestinian Authority.”

However, he admitted that it would be difficult for the current Palestinian Authority to handle security-related issues.

Putin said: “But, as I understand from the presentation of colleagues I spoke with today on this subject, the possibility of transferring control over Gaza, including to the local police, to ensure security is being considered. But is this bad? In my opinion, this is good.”

The Russian president stressed the importance of understanding the duration the international administration will manage Gaza, the timetable for transferring civil authority, and security issues.

Putin pointed out that “we have contacts with Hamas, and it is important for us that Hamas also supports this, as well as the Palestinian Authority.”

Putin concluded by emphasizing that Russian support for any initiative depends on its commitment to the two-state solution and the clarity of the mechanisms and timetable for transferring civil and security authorities to the Palestinians, stressing that “international administration cannot be a permanent substitute for Palestinian sovereignty.”

It is worth noting that the Valdai International Discussion Club is an organization that includes prominent experts from Russia and many countries, who have extensive experience in political science, economics, history, and international relations. The club was established in 2004.