Kremlin Defends Decision to Invite Hamas Delegation to Moscow

The Kremlin stated on Friday that "Russia believes it is necessary to continue communication with all parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," defending its decision to invite a delegation from the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" to Moscow, a step that has angered Israel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that "the delegation met with representatives from the Russian Foreign Ministry but did not communicate with the Kremlin." Israel urged Russia on Thursday to expel the visiting Hamas delegation, describing the invitation to Moscow as "regrettable."