Israeli Army: We Will Take Necessary Actions; Meeting Between Hamas Representatives and Baqeri Kani in Moscow

Following the disruption of internet and telecommunications in Gaza on Friday, the spokesperson for the Israeli army refrained from commenting on Israel's possible role in cutting off Gaza's communication network, emphasizing that the country will take any necessary actions to protect its forces. Admiral Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, responded to a question about whether Israel had cut off the mobile network during the ground attack that began on Friday night, stating: "We will do whatever is necessary for the security of our forces - whether temporary or permanent - to the extent that we need to." Meanwhile, in the diplomatic arena, on Friday, a representative of the Islamic Republic met with representatives of Hamas in Moscow. According to the Associated Press, this meeting underscores Russia's efforts to expand its influence as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Ali Baqeri Kani, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire, lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip, and providing humanitarian aid during this meeting. Prior to this meeting, Hamas representatives discussed the release of hostages and the evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza with Russian diplomats. The Associated Press reports that Russia is attempting to position itself as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas war, with President Putin claiming that Moscow can mediate in this crisis due to its friendly relations with both Israel and the Palestinians. According to the Associated Press, at least 19 Russian citizens have been killed in the recent war between Israel and Hamas. Additionally, Russia itself is engaged in a war that has been ongoing since March 2022, following Putin's full-scale invasion of its European neighbor. The Associated Press states that this move reflects Russia's desire to expand its influence and play a diplomatic role in the region, particularly in light of its growing relations with the Islamic Republic amidst its war with Ukraine. However, while Russia emphasizes the need to maintain contact with all parties, a proposed resolution by Russia - which did not mention Hamas in condemning violence against civilians - was rejected in the Security Council, and Israel condemned Russia's hosting of Hamas as an outright support for terrorism. Liav Hayat, a spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, previously wrote on X: "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 called for their immediate expulsion. The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Hamas militia, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, as a terrorist group.