US can leverage Russian-held assets for Gaza’s reconstruction

IN RECENT days there has been a lot of discussion about the idea of US President Donald Trump establishing the Board of Peace as part of a broader initiative to address global conflicts, particularly focusing on the reconstruction of Gaza following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

- RUSLAN GOLUBOVSKIY

DISPLACED Palestinians live amongst the rubble and debris of homes and businesses destroyed by the Israeli military in over two years of military strikes on the Gaza Strip enclave, in Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip.

(AFP)

Among other world leaders, an invitation to join the Board was extended to the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

Not being able to fully rely upon the accuracy of the Western news agencies, I deem it necessary to share the following firsthand information with the readers of the Cape Times, especially given the fact that so many South Africans take the current developments in the Gaza Strip and Palestine so close to their hearts.

Russia’s approach to the issues of Palestine and the settlement in the Middle East is principled and consistent. We believe that only the establishment and full functioning of the Palestinian state can lead to a lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict.

Last week, at a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is willing to provide $1 billion to this new body, the Board of Peace, primarily to support the Palestinian people, assist in the restoration of the Gaza Strip, and address the general resolution of problems facing Palestine using the funds that were frozen in the US by the former administration.