Russia denies claim that Israel disappointed by stance on Gaza war

On Tuesday, the Kremlin rejected claims that Israel was dissatisfied with Russia’s response to its conflict with Hamas and maintained its demand for both sides to reach an immediate cease-fire and work towards a peaceful resolution.

Moscow has stressed its ties to both Israel and the Palestinians, especially the Hamas movement that rules Gaza, since the most recent crisis broke out in an effort to depict the conflict as the result of failed American diplomacy.

Asked about reports of Israeli disappointment with Moscow’s stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “We have a regular and intensive dialogue with the Israeli side, we regularly exchange opinions.”

“Russia’s position is very consistent, it has been repeatedly expressed by President (Vladimir) Putin – we condemn all manifestations of terrorism, we extend condolences to all the relatives and families of the victims.”

In a routine call with reporters, Peskov said that Russia supported “a ceasefire as soon as possible” as well as initiatives to bring about peace and the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli communities and kibbutzim that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, mostly civilians, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by intense daily Israeli bombardment.

Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia has long denounced what it sees as the United States’ marginalisation of the Palestinian people. It has also been establishing tighter political and security connections with Iran, Israel’s sworn enemy.

(With agency inputs)