Russia maintains contacts with Hamas and has hosted its delegations in Moscow. The relationship gives the Kremlin access to a major actor in the region and supports Moscow’s claim to a diplomatic role in Middle East affairs. It also places Russia at odds with Israel’s view of Hamas as a terrorist organization. Moscow’s meetings with Hamas serve its effort to maintain a diplomatic role across the region. Washington Institute analysis of Russia-Hamas ties and Times of Israel report on the 2024 Moscow visit.
Moscow’s diplomatic channel
Russian officials have met Hamas representatives repeatedly, including delegation visits to Moscow. Russia has not designated Hamas as a terrorist organization under its domestic law. The meetings are a deliberate diplomatic choice: Moscow seeks contact with groups and governments that Western states often isolate.
Hosting a delegation does not mean Russia controls Hamas or shares all of its aims. Moscow gains visibility and a channel to discuss ceasefires, captives and regional arrangements. It can use these contacts to strengthen its claim that negotiations require engagement with all influential parties.
Why the relationship matters to Israel
Israel sees Hamas as an Iran-backed terrorist organization whose armed wing attacks Israeli civilians and soldiers. Russian engagement gives Hamas international access and can weaken efforts to isolate the group diplomatically. Russia also maintains close ties with Iran, Hamas’s main state sponsor, adding to Israeli concern.
Russia has also maintained contacts with Islamic Jihad.
Diplomacy alongside strategic competition
For Moscow, ties with Hamas sit within a wider strategy of maintaining influence across the Middle East, including relations with Iran, Syria, Israel and Arab states. The policy creates diplomatic leverage but also damages trust with Israel. Read more about the wider Russia-Israel relationship and Russia-Iran military cooperation.