Hamdallah calls for timeframe to end occupation

PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said Wednesday that the time has come to set a specific timeline for the end of Israel's occupation of Palestine. At a celebration to mark Russia's National Day at the Russian representative office in Ramallah, the newly-appointed premier reiterated that Palestinians remain committed to achieving their right to an independent state. Hamdallah praised Russia's support to Palestine, and said Moscow had "been a friend for the past six decades." "They stood by as at every historical turn," he added. "The Palestinian leadership has always turned to Moscow for understanding, solidarity, and support," Hamdallah continued, highlighting Russia's funding of learning institutions and its role Palestine's recognition as a non-member state of the UN in 2012. Russia's representative to Palestine Alexander Rudakov pledged Moscow's continued support for the Palestinian cause and for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.