Russia's state-run TASS news agency cited the Palestinian ambassador in Moscow as saying Abbas will arrive on Monday and meet Putin on Tuesday.

Abbas also heads the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas.

Ambassador Abdel Hafiz Nofal said the two leaders would discuss events in Gaza since Israel launched its war on the Palestinian territory in October. "They will talk about Russia's role, what can be done."

He added: "We have a very difficult situation, and Russia is a country that is close to us. We need to consult each other."

Moscow for years tried to balance relations with all major players in the Middle East -- including Israel and Palestine.

But since Israel's war on Gaza, Putin has moved closer to Israel's foes, Hamas and Iran.

The Kremlin has repeatedly criticised Israel's conduct in its war on Gaza, including its targeting of civilians, and has called for restraint.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.