Italian defense authorities have publicly stated that Russia did not participate in Hamas’ assault on Israel. The claim was reported in detail by a major Italian news outlet, underscoring how Moscow’s involvement in Middle East affairs remains a focal point of international scrutiny and debate.
According to officials, President Putin appears to be watching developments with an eye toward potential strategic gain, rather than committing to any clear alliance. The assertion suggests that while some countries have shown openness toward the Palestinian leadership and Hamas, Russia’s stance has not followed the same pattern. This interpretation invites observers to consider Russia’s broader objectives in the region and how its actions might reflect calculations about future leverage rather than direct support for militant groups.
Earlier comments from a former Russian ambassador to Israel indicated ongoing contacts between Moscow and Hamas. The spokesperson emphasized that dialogue persists at various levels, though the nature and aims of these exchanges remain complex and subject to interpretation. Analysts note that such interactions could be part of a broader geopolitical strategy rather than a straightforward alignment with Hamas’s immediate goals.
On 7 October, Hamas announced the launch of a large-scale offensive, deploying thousands of rockets toward Israel and signaling the initiation of a campaign titled Al-Aqsa Flood. Militants reportedly breached multiple locations within Israeli territory, seizing military hardware and taking a significant number of hostages. In response, Israeli leadership declared a state of war and ordered a coordinated defensive and offensive response to neutralize threats and restore security for civilians at risk within the country.
The Israeli Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords, a comprehensive military campaign aimed at dismantling militant networks and restoring order in areas affected by the violence. The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive strikes against targets associated with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, while national security chiefs weighed severe steps to disrupt supply lines to the territory. In a separate development, the United Nations agencies warned of humanitarian consequences, with plans discussed to evacuate vulnerable Palestinians from parts of Gaza that faced imminent risk as ground operations were anticipated by international authorities and regional partners.
Commentary from Hamas officials reaffirmed their alignment with Moscow’s position on the broader regional dynamics, highlighting a continuity of perspective that favors consultation with major regional actors. The evolving narrative underscores how the conflict has drawn in multiple international players, each seeking to influence outcomes through diplomacy, economic pressure, or strategic signaling rather than through unilateral action alone.