Israel Calls Hamas Officials' Visit to Moscow 'Legitimizing Terrorist Crimes'

Russia's hosting of senior Hamas officials has provoked a strong reaction from the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Li'or Hayat, spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, wrote on the 'X' network: 'Hamas is a terrorist organization worse than ISIS. The hands of senior Hamas officials are stained with the blood of over 1,400 Israelis who were slaughtered, killed, and burned. They are also responsible for the abduction of over 220 Israelis, including infants, children, women, and the elderly.' He described Moscow's invitation to senior Hamas officials as 'an inappropriate act in support of terrorism' and 'legitimizing the crimes of Hamas terrorists,' calling for their immediate expulsion. Earlier, coinciding with the announcement of a Hamas delegation's trip to Moscow, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry also reported on the visit of Ali Bagheri Kani, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to Moscow and his meeting with his Russian counterpart. Bagheri Kani is the chief nuclear negotiator of the Islamic Republic. In a photo published by 'Times of Israel' from Hamas's Telegram channel, Bagheri Kani is seen alongside Mikhail Bogdanov, Putin's special representative for the Middle East, and Mousa Abu Marzouk, head of Hamas's political bureau. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that discussions were held with Hamas officials who traveled to Moscow regarding the release of hostages and the evacuation of Russian citizens and other foreign nationals. In a statement reflected in Russian media, it was mentioned that talks with Abu Marzouk were part of Moscow's efforts for the immediate release of foreign hostages held in Gaza. The statement also noted that issues related to coordinating the evacuation of Russian citizens and other foreign nationals from Gaza were discussed. The ministry emphasized that Russia insists on its 'unwavering position in favor of implementing international community decisions,' including the two-state solution. Reactions to Amir-Abdollahian's presence in New York; 'his hands are stained with blood.' Urgent 'need' for fuel in Gaza; France sends 'helicopter carrier' to the eastern Mediterranean. Verification | Russian Foreign Minister's claim: The Islamic Republic is a 'responsible peacekeeper' in the region. The U.S. has urged its allies in the Middle East to help cut off Hamas's funding networks. Hearing in the House of Representatives; The Islamic Republic is a serious threat to U.S. security. The Islamic Republic in the October 7 attacks; Wall Street Journal: The Islamic Republic has provided special military training to 500 Hamas forces.