Italy Blames Russia For Hamas Attacks On Israel

In a provocative claim, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asserted that Moscow bears responsibility for the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. According to Meloni, Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine served as a catalyst for Hamas to launch a massive attack on Israel in October 2023.

Meloni argued that a permanent UN Security Council member’s military operation against a neighboring country violates international law and destabilizes global security. She contended that such actions would have a cascading effect on regions worldwide, including the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa.

The Italian leader boldly stated, “If Russia had not invaded Ukraine, in all likelihood, Hamas would not have launched such an attack against Israel.”

Russia initiated its war against Ukraine in February 2022, citing reasons such as the protection of Donbass’s population and countering Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, which Moscow deemed a threat to its national security.

Hamas’s assault on Israeli settlements near Gaza occurred about a year and a half into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The militant attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and the capture of over 200 individuals. In response, West Jerusalem launched a massive bombing campaign and an ongoing ground operation in Gaza, surpassing 29,000 casualties.

International condemnation followed Israel’s actions, with South Africa filing a complaint at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing “systematic” acts of genocide in Gaza. The interim order urged Israel to prevent genocide, a charge the Israeli government dismissed as “absurd.”

Meloni emphasized the need to reestablish international legality in Ukraine to prevent the multiplication of conflicts. She asserted that supporting Kiev was crucial, claiming that Moscow only understood the language of strength. The Italian leader stressed that a “just and lasting peace” required continued assistance to Ukraine from Italy, Europe, and the West.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev strongly condemned Meloni’s statements, labeling her a “dumb head” and suggesting issues with her mental faculties or the expression of “genes of her fascist past.”