Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov considered that the goal of completely destroying Hamas, which Israel wants to achieve, is "unrealistic."
"There is no end in sight to the bloodshed in Gaza. Israel, through (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, says the war will not end until Hamas is completely eliminated, and in my opinion and the opinion of many of my partners, this is an unrealistic task," Lavrov told reporters during a visit to Malaysia on Sunday.
"Hamas still exists and has sufficient capabilities and support, including from Islamic countries," the minister continued.
"Israel is obstructing a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting in Gaza," he added, "and we will continue to help the Palestinians rebuild their unity."
Israel's relations with Russia were damaged after the Kremlin hosted senior Hamas members after the October 7 attack, a move that Netanyahu's government said "strengthened the movement's position despite the crimes it committed," referring to the attack.
Netanyahu has repeatedly used the phrase "complete victory" in his speeches during the Gaza war, stressing that it "will not end until Hamas is completely eliminated."
This was the most prominent condition that obstructed the possibility of reaching an agreement that would end the fighting.
Kommentare