- October 25, 2024
- 12:44 am
- Israel
A high-ranking delegation from Russia arrived in Israel on October 24, 2024 to promote a deal to free the hostages. The delegation has a separate message from Putin personally to Netanyahu: “end the war in Gaza and Lebanon and agree to peace initiatives.”
Ynet correspondent Itamar Eichner received an unofficial comment on the Saudi channel’s message on the evening of October 24 passed onWhat “Israel denies the arrival of the Russian delegation”.
Hamas also said it had asked Russia, Algeria and China for “assistance in resolving the situation in the Gaza Strip and reaching an agreement with Israel on a ceasefire.” This was reported by a member of the Politburo of the terrorist organization Osama Hamdan.
Amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, Russia has unexpectedly stepped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Russian delegation, which arrived in Israel, conveyed a message from Putin to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which calls for an end to the war in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as support for so-called “peace initiatives.” However Questions arise: what goals does Moscow pursue?
What is the essence of the negotiations?
Putin called on Israel to “cease hostilities and accept peace proposals” that would supposedly help stabilize the region. However, many experts note that Russia's actions are not as simple as they seem at first glance.
Quote from NAnovosti:
“The Russian delegation did not just bring a message of peace. This is Russia's attempt to consolidate its influence in the Middle East due to negotiations with Hamas.”
At the same time, Hamas itself also played a role in the negotiations: Musa Abu Marzuk, deputy head of the terrorist organization’s Politburo, announced “its readiness to release two Russian hostages held in Gaza.” One of them, Alexander Trufanov, is in the hands of Islamic Jihad, and his exchange has been proposed for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. The second hostage, Maxim Kharkin, was captured as a Ukrainian citizen, but received Russian citizenship after that.
Russia's Hidden Motives
A natural question arises: What is Russia really up to? Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, where Putin categorically rejects any peace initiatives, his actions in the Middle East seem hypocritical. It is paradoxical that the Kremlin is trying to promote “peace initiatives” in a region under attack by Hamas, while it itself does not want to stop its own aggression in Ukraine.
Table: Russia's position in the international arena
| Region | Politics of Russia | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Denial of peace talks | Continuation of the conflict |
| Middle East | Support for peace initiatives with Hamas | Influence on negotiations with Israel |
Russia's attempt to play the role of a peacemaker in the region may turn out to be only a tactical maneuver to strengthen its influence and increase diplomatic leverage.
» This is not the first time that Moscow has used international conflicts to its advantage. Cooperation with Hamas and other terrorist groups is part of the Kremlin’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the region.”
Moscow, Hamas and Iran: a game on three fronts
Note Russia's close ties to Iran, which actively supports Hamas. Precisely through Iran.
Quote from Putin: “We are ready to do everything possible to find compromises between Israel and Iran.”
However, there are serious doubts about the sincerity of such proposals. While Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine, its actions in the Middle East may be aimed at destabilizing and strengthening its positions, rather than at a settlement.
Conclusion
Negotiations between Russia and Hamas leave many questions. Why does Moscow offer peace initiatives to end the war in Gaza when it rejects them in Ukraine? It is important to monitor Russia's next steps, because its activity in the Middle East may be only part of a more complex geopolitical game.
