Russia, which has been a long-standing supporter of Hamas and Palestinians in the Middle East, continues to reject Israeli claims of self-defense in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Russia has also strongly criticized Israel’s policies and accuses it of responsible for the recent escalation in violence. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Israel is an “occupying power” that does not have a right to carry out self-defense. The statement said that Israel was responsible for the deaths of unarmed Palestinians and must now return to the negotiating table. Moscow also expressed deep concern over the extensive use of force, including heavy machine guns and artillery by Israel, and urged Israel and Hamas to exercise restraint and recommit to a ceasefire agreement. Russia also expressed its support for a two-state solution and urged both sides to resume negotiations to try to achieve peace.
