Russia has sent a stark warning to Israel over its war in Gaza as Moscow’s Foreign Minister says the IDF cannot destroy Hamas.
Sergei Lavrov said it is “unrealistic” to believe that Israel can dismantle the Palestinian group because of its “support in the Muslim world.”
He said: “No prospect for an end to this bloodshed can be seen yet. Israel, through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said in response to calls for a ceasefire that it would not stop until it completely eliminates Hamas.
“In my opinion, and many of my colleagues share this point of view, it is an unrealistic task to eradicate the organisation which exists, which has enough capabilities and enough support, including in the Muslim world.”
Mr Lavrov, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, added: “Some Arab countries, Egypt and Qatar are working with the Americans, and they also hold some meetings with the Israelis.
“In my opinion, it is not very good that the Palestinians are excluded from meetings that are designed to eventually determine their future. In this regard, we will continue to help restore the Palestinian unity.”
The Kremlin has hosted Hamas in Moscow twice since the war broke out after the brutal October 7 attack. Israel has since decimated Gaza with military strikes.
In January, the Kremlin claimed that its officials urged Hamas to release hostages the group is holding in the Gaza Strip.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said: “During the conversation, the focus was on the ongoing confrontation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, against the backdrop of which the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached catastrophic proportions.
“The Russian side stressed the need for the speedy release of civilians captured during the attacks of 7 October 2023 and held by Palestinian factions, including three Russian citizens – A. Kozlov, A. Lobanov and A. Trufanov.”
In October 2023, Putin’s former speechwriter told the Daily Express that Putin now sees Israel as an “enemy.”
Abbas Gallyamov said: “I think Putin no longer cares for [Benjamin) Netanyahu. Now he has taken this pro-Palestine stance on the conflict any Israeli government is an enemy for Putin.”