Member of Hamas political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouq stressed the importance of activating the Russian role in the Palestinian issue to confront Washington’s plan to "liquidate" the Palestinian cause. Abu Marzouq told Asharq Al-Awsat that he discussed with the Russian side, during his recent visit to Moscow, the provision of a “protection network” for Palestinians in the international forums and activation of the Russian move to put pressure on Israel in line with efforts to establish a truce. He has earlier held a round of talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who said it was “frank and detailed” and lasted more than four hours. Both sides discussed the Palestinian political situation in terms of US moves, including the “Deal of the Century” and the reconciliation efforts. They also discussed the situation in Gaza and understandings reached with the Israeli side on the truce. Abu Marzouk also expressed his satisfaction with the discussions that took place with the Russian side and called on Moscow to expand its intervention in this issue. He pointed out that Russia has ended the Wests dominance in the Middle East and can play a more active role in the Palestinian issue. Discussions also tackled the importance of “working on a new strategy in the region,” Abu Marzouq noted, adding that at the regional level “we want Russia to put pressure on Israel to accomplish the Egypt-sponsored understandings reached.” He said Israel “hasn’t complied with these understandings” and is constantly causing instability, noting that “having another party put pressure on Israel to keep understandings is significant.” “Reconciliation is vital to bolster the ability to confront attempts to target Palestinians,” Abu Marzouq said, pointing out that if the situation in Palestine is coherent, the effectiveness of countering the measures would have been translated on the ground. He said the deal of the century, measures are taken by Washington and the Lebanese Ministry of Labor’s most recent decision on work permits for the Palestinians all serve the so-called US Peace plan’s interests. Regarding Hamas’s position on the possibility of a new Russian call for dialogue between the Palestinian factions, Abu Marzouq said Hamas welcomes this step, affirming that it would attend the talks if it was invited. He also praised Russia’s policy, which maintained constructive relations with all parties, noting that this policy has proved that Russia can play a positive role in crises. “Russia can create a protection network for Palestinians in the United Nations and the Security Council in the face of many issues the United States is trying to pass,” he said.