Top diplomats from the European Union, the United States and Russia, and the UN chief will gather for their first meeting since Islamist group Hamas seized the Gaza Strip in June and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas formed an interim government in the West Bank.
The meeting in Portugal, which holds the rotating EU presidency, will also be a debut for British ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair appointed Middle East envoy for the Quartet.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said the mediators should focus on prompt measures to improve life for those living in the Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza, whose isolation has deepened since the U.S., Israel, and the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas have refused to deal with Hamas in control of the region.
The enclave relies on UN aid as Israel - effectively at war with Hamas, which has refused to recognize the country and renounce violence - has sealed off main border crossings, stifling trade.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday the meeting would also discuss President George W. Bush's settlement plans announced July 16, including for a Middle East peace conference in the U.S. in the fall to bring together Israel, moderate Palestinian leaders and neighboring Arab states.
Israel and the Palestinian National Authority have still to agree over the return of refugees, a status for Jerusalem, and the borders of a future Palestinian state.
Russia has insisted that Hamas, which won a landslide victory in general elections in early 2006, but is regarded as a terrorist organization in the West, should not be isolated and Palestinian lands divided.
