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Palestinian factions gathered in Moscow expressed gratitude to the Russian leadership for arranging meetings, and appreciated Moscow's stance in support of the Palestinian cause, as stated in a collective statement following discussions in Moscow on Friday.

This comes as a three-day inter-Palestinian gathering, initiated by Russia to facilitate consensus among different Palestinian factions regarding the genocide in the Gaza Strip, commenced on Thursday.

"Palestinian factions gathered in the city of Moscow expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Russian leadership for organizing the meetings and for its position in support of the Palestinian problem," the statement said. 

In the statement, the factions agreed to continue ongoing discussions to achieve national unity, stressing that their objective is to address the termination of the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip and guarantee unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, the factions reached a consensus on the imperative necessity to compel "Israel" to withdraw its troops from the enclave, as outlined in the statement.

"[They] agreed to oppose, stop, and disrupt attempts to resettle our people from our Palestinian land, in particular in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank and al-Quds," the statement reads.

Solidarity and Resilience: Upholding Palestinian rights 

The joint statement emphasized the need to compel the occupying forces to withdraw from Gaza and prevent any attempts to solidify their occupation or control over it, whether by citing "buffer zones" or other pretexts. It reiterated the commitment to the unity of all Palestinian territories according to the basic law.

In response to attempts to separate Gaza from the occupied West Bank, including al-Quds, the factions rejected these efforts, viewing them as part of a broader strategy to deny the Palestinian people their right to self-determination.

The statement emphasized the establishment of a free, independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty over all occupied territories, including al-Quds, in alignment with international resolutions.

Regarding Resistance operations in Gaza, the statement expressed support for the resilient Palestinian people and their Resistance, particularly in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and al-Quds. It underscored the importance of rebuilding what the occupation had destroyed and providing assistance to the families of martyrs, the wounded, and those who suffered losses in homes and livelihoods.

Determined to resist encroachment on Al-Aqsa

The Palestinian factions have united in response to perceived plots and violations by the occupation against al-Aqsa Mosque. They have agreed to confront these attacks, particularly focusing on safeguarding the freedom of worship in the upcoming month of Ramadan.

The factions are determined to resist any encroachments on al-Aqsa, al-Quds, and the associated Islamic and Christian sanctities, countering the occupation's announcement to prevent worshippers from reaching the mosque during Ramadan, the statement added.

The joint statement also addresses the plight of Palestinian detainees held by "Israel", expressing full support for both male and female detainees facing various forms of torture and oppression. The factions are resolute in prioritizing efforts to secure the liberation of these prisoners from the occupation's captivity.

Furthermore, in response to the suspension of support by 12 countries, including major donors, for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Palestinian factions have affirmed their commitment to protecting the international agency. They emphasized its vital role in caring for Palestinian refugees until their return, and the implementation of United Nations Resolution 194, as per the joint statement.

The Palestinian factions also expressed their appreciation to South Africa for backing the Palestinian people and its pivotal role in bringing the issue to the International Court of Justice to hold "Israel" accountable for the crime of genocide, the statement added.

It is worth noting that the meeting is scheduled to span two consecutive days, with the possibility of extending it to a third day. 

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