Vladimir Putin has been publicly thanked by Hamas for Russia’s “tireless efforts” to stop Israel’s “aggression” against the Gaza territory in a bizarre twist during the ongoing conflict.
A statement from the terrorist group posted on Telegram and circulated in Russian state media read: “We in Hamas appreciate the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing Zionist aggression against our people.”
Hamas also noted the Russian president “does not accept the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the cutting off of humanitarian aid and attacks on unarmed civilians, according to a report by CNN.
Last week, Putin had urged both sides in the fighting between Israel and Hamas to “minimize or reduce to zero” civilian casualties.
Two days later on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry in Moscow made similar calls for calm.
READ MORE: Vladimir Putin meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Kremlin
Relations between Russia and Israel were thought to be improving in recent years when Putin and Israeli Prime Minister promoted cultural ties and visa-free travel between the two countries.
In his memoir published during Russia’s war on Ukraine, Netanyahu praised Putin for his intellect and his “particularly friendly attitude” toward the Jewish people.
Pinchas Goldschmidt, who served as the chief rabbi of Moscow for nearly 30 years until fleeing the country during the Ukraine war, told the Guardian that the relationship between the two leaders is no longer as strong.
She said: “The warm relationship [between Russia and Israel] that we have seen for years under Putin has cooled down. We are in a different world now.
“Israel has always been careful to maintain a good relationship with Moscow given Russia’s large Jewish community and its influence over Syria.”
