Russia alarmed by reports of Israeli funding for anti-Hamas groups

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 00:05

Russia’s UN envoy warns of dangerous consequences if reports of "Israel" funding Palestinian groups against Hamas are true, urging restraint to preserve peace.

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Vassily Nebenzia, permanent representative of Russia to the United Nations, speaks during a meeting of the UN Security Council, March 29, 2022, at United Nations headquarters (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Russia expressed serious concern over reports that "Israel" is sponsoring Palestinian groups to combat Hamas, warning that such moves could lead to serious consequences in the region.

"Reports of Israel sponsoring certain Palestinian groups to fight Hamas are troubling. Such actions can have very dangerous consequences," said Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia during a UN Security Council session on the Middle East.

Nebenzia also condemned recent inflammatory remarks made by Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who claimed “there is no such thing” as a Palestinian people and encouraged violence against Palestinian Authority officials.

"His [Ben-Gvir's] incitement to kill senior Palestinian Authority officials do not, and I'm putting it mildly, do not contribute to establishing a sustainable peace process," the Russian diplomat stated.

Nebenzia urged all parties to act in good faith and refrain from actions that could reignite hostilities.

Russia believes that any International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza must function with the cooperation of the Palestinian side, he added.

UN resolution establishes international force in Gaza

Last week, the UN Security Council adopted a US-sponsored resolution to deploy an International Stabilization Force in the Gaza Strip. Thirteen members voted in favor, while Russia and China abstained. US President Donald Trump later thanked both nations for not vetoing the decision.

The resolution mandates the ISF to work with "Israel" and Egypt for an initial two-year period. Its objectives include securing Gaza’s borders, protecting civilians, delivering humanitarian aid, retraining a restructured Palestinian police force, and overseeing the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups.

The ceasefire between "Israel" and the Palestinian movement Hamas officially took effect on October 10. However, since its implementation, the Israeli occupation forces have carried out repeated strikes on Gaza, citing alleged Palestinian violations of the agreement.

According to Gaza health authorities, "Israel" has committed over 280 ceasefire violations since October 10, resulting in 312 deaths and 760 injuries.