Europe fears Russia to bond more with Iran over Hamas' Gaza operation
3 Min Read
European nations are to convene and discuss providing military munition to "Israel," but officials fear their governments have nothing more to offer after the war in Ukraine.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) greets Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (right) in Sochi, Russia, May 11, 2017. (Sputnik)
As the aggression on Gaza escalates, European officials and experts are growing concerned that Russia could take advantage and push the Kremlin closer to Iran, which is a Hamas ally - even though there is no sign that Russia has provided material aid to Hamas or even had prior notice of the operation.
Former Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks stated that “Russians would be interested in fragmenting the West and creating additional problems,” adding: “It all has to be done simultaneously. [The] Russians hope somebody will say it’s too hard.”
The Kremlin has not condemned Hamas as other European countries have done and "Israel" has not fully condemned Russia’s operation in Ukraine but condemned Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula four years after it was done.
Jonathan Lord, a senior fellow and director of the Middle East security program at the Center for Washington-based think tank New American Security, said: "[I]f Russia’s back is further and further up against a wall in Ukraine, Iran will be in a position to demand more,” such as asking Russia for air defense systems for itself or for its proxies; for advanced fighter jets; or even for help in filling gaps in its nuclear program.”
“That’s going to have direct repercussions on Israeli security and the security of the region,” he said.
Read more: Iran denies involvement in Operation Al Aqsa Flood and warns 'Israel'
Fearing the forging of ties
On Monday, European nations are expected to convene and discuss providing military munition to "Israel", but officials are expressing fear that their governments have nothing left to offer after the war in Ukraine.
An anonymous German official said: “We face a huge ammo shortage due to Ukraine”.
Another anonymous European official hoped that “the EU will drop any illusions regarding Palestine and the ruling powers there,” as the diplomat showed concern regarding Russia's ties with Iran.
Pabriks analyzed that Europe is more prone to help "Israel" assess intelligence failures before Hamas' Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and identify which nations helped support Hamas.
On that note, Michael Doran, an expert at the Hudson Institute, claimed to Foreign Policy that Iran’s Quds Force assisted Hamas in advancing its tactics.
Moreover, the IOF has already killed over 700 Palestinians in Gaza within the last 48 hours and targeted journalists covering its aggression on Gaza.
Our correspondent previously reported that the Israeli occupation is deliberately targeting journalists covering the ongoing aggression on the Strip. Three journalists were killed as "Israel" bombed and destroyed a residential building in Western Gaza, near Al Mayadeen's office in the Gaza Strip.
