The opinion of Russians about the present conflict in Israel is not easy to summarize, as there are different views and interests involved. However, based on some news articles and web sources, I can try to give you a general overview of some of the main perspectives and factors that shape Russia's position on this issue.
One perspective is that Russia benefits from the war between Israel and Hamas, as it distracts the attention of the U.S. and its allies from Russia's own war in Ukraine, boosts the demand and price of oil (which is a major source of income for Russia), and gives Russia an opportunity to mediate between different parties in the region and enhance its influence⁵. Russia has maintained ties with both Israel and Hamas, as well as Iran (which supports Hamas) and Syria (which is allied with Iran and hosts Russian military bases). Russia has also tried to present itself as a more neutral and reliable partner than the U.S., which is seen as biased toward Israel by many in the region⁴.
Another perspective is that Russia faces a dilemma and a risk of being dragged into a wider and more dangerous conflict that could harm its interests and assets in the Middle East. Russia has to balance its competing alliances and avoid alienating any of its partners. For example, Russia has to be careful not to upset Israel, which is a major trading partner and a source of advanced technology and military intelligence for Russia. Israel also has a large population of Russian-speaking immigrants who have political influence in both countries. On the other hand, Russia has to be cautious not to antagonize Iran, which is a strategic ally and a counterweight to U.S. influence in the region. Iran also provides access and support for Russia's involvement in Syria, where Russia has invested heavily to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Assad⁵. Moreover, Russia has to deal with the domestic implications of the conflict, as it has a sizable Muslim minority that may sympathize with the Palestinians and protest against Israel's actions. This could lead to social unrest and violence, as seen in the recent riot in Dagestan, where hundreds of people stormed an airport to search for Israelis arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv².
A third perspective is that Russia has a moral and humanitarian obligation to help end the bloodshed and suffering of the civilians in Gaza, who have been subjected to relentless airstrikes by Israel that have killed over 2,000 people, mostly women and children, and displaced over half a million people. Russia has called for an immediate cease-fire and urged all sides to renounce violence and exercise restraint. Russia has also offered to facilitate the release of hostages from Gaza, as it has done in the past. Russia has expressed its concern for the human rights and dignity of the Palestinian people, who have been living under occupation and blockade for decades¹³.
As you can see, there is no simple or definitive answer to your question, as different Russians may have different opinions depending on their background, beliefs, interests, and sources of information. However, I hope this gives you some insight into some of the main factors and perspectives that shape Russia's position on this issue. Thank you for your interest in learning more about this topic. 😊
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023/10/31
(1) Russia benefits from the war between Israel and Hamas in 3 ways - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/13/russia-benefits-from-the-war-between-israel-and-hamas-in-3-ways.html.
(2) How the Hamas-Israel Conflict Benefits Russia | TIME. https://time.com/6329850/hamas-gaza-russia-putin-israel/.
(3) Russians split over Israel-Palestine conflict as Muscovites adorn both embassies with flowers. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russians-split-over-israel-palestine-conflict-as-muscovites-adorn-both-embassies-with-flowers/ar-AA1ikHr4.
(4) Opinion: The Heavy Cost Of A Widening Israel-Hamas War. https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/the-heavy-cost-of-a-widening-israel-hamas-war-4520651.
(5) Opinion: Unraveling the Israel-Palestine conflict requires a need for compassion. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/opinion-unraveling-the-israel-palestine-conflict-requires-a-need-for-compassion/ar-AA1iE0PV.
