Russia Accuses US of Fueling Hamas’s Escalation Amidst Rising Tensions with Israel
Several countries have expressed their concerns and opinions regarding the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, which gained widespread attention on October 7.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev seized the opportunity to criticize the United States for its perceived failure to resolve the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Medvedev noted that the eruption of violence coincided with a significant historical date for Israel, being the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. He then shifted his focus towards the U.S., stating, “This is what Washington and its allies should be prioritizing. The Israel-Palestine conflict has persisted for decades, with the U.S. being a key player in it.”
In a tone of frustration, Medvedev continued, “The conflict between Israel and Palestine has endured for generations, with the U.S. being a pivotal player. Instead of actively working towards a Palestinian-Israeli resolution, these actions have diverted their attention to other matters, even supporting groups that Russia perceives as neo-Nazis, which has further fueled tensions between closely related peoples.”
Medvedev’s comments were directed at the U.S.’s involvement in Ukraine and its support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Russia had long accused Zelensky of promoting a fascist and neo-Nazi agenda, despite his Jewish heritage, due to his government’s actions against pro-Russian supporters.
Furthermore, Medvedev accused the U.S. of instigating conflicts around the world, posing the rhetorical question, “What can halt America’s seemingly obsessive drive to incite conflicts across the globe?”
Medvedev’s impassioned speech came in the wake of a surprise early morning attack by Palestinians on eastern Israeli territory, resulting in thousands of rockets launched and a rising number of casualties. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war, launching airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza.
Disturbing reports indicated that Hamas had taken numerous Israeli hostages, including soldiers, and photos circulated of hostages, including one claimed to be “the aunt of Israel’s Defense Minister.” Videos depicted damaged vehicles, open doors, and casualties on a highway, while reports emerged of heavily armed Hamas members conducting house-to-house searches for Israelis.
As the situation continued to unfold, Israel grappled with the shock of the attack, with an increasing number of abductions, injuries, and fatalities. The Times of Israel reported that opposition leader Yair Lapid called for an “emergency government” to oversee the challenging and complex operation ahead. The casualties had risen to over 100 Israelis killed, close to 1,000 wounded, and an unknown number of soldiers and civilians abducted by Hamas terrorists into Gaza.
Lapid acknowledged that the attack was a result of short-sightedness on Israel’s part and anticipated that this fledgling conflict would persist for an extended period before any resolution could be achieved.
