Global Geopolitical Series: PA leans toward Russia to play larger role in peace process

As the Palestinian Authority (PA), which was formed back in 1994 as part of the Oslo Accord and is responsible for negotiating peace with Israel feel that the United States has betrayed them and has taken the side of Israel is hoping for a greater role for Russia and its President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming peace process.

Since President Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel last December, the PA has rejected the United States to be a mediator or at least a sole mediator in the negotiating process and refused to attend any negotiations. Meanwhile, the PA leaders are hoping that other globally influencing countries such as Russia would play a larger role in the negotiations. It has also called on other countries such as those on the European Union, which recently announced a special aid package for the Palestinians of €42.5 million in response to President Trump’s withholding of aid to the tune of $63 million.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas met with the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. This was his first meeting with Putin since May 2017.  Abbas reportedly told Putin that PA can’t accept the U.S. as the sole mediator in the process and called on Russia to play a greater role. He also reportedly refused to cooperate with the United States in any form.

However, President Trump was well aware of the meeting and had a short call with President Putin before he met with Abbas and reportedly told him that now is the time to secure a long-lasting peace agreement.