A year ago, Hamas militants invaded Israel, wreaking death and destruction. The attack killed more than 1,200 people, including hundreds of attendees at the music festival that was attacked. 239 people ranging in age from 9 months to 85 years old were taken hostage by the militants. The attack was the largest mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust and the largest act of Palestinian terrorism in history.
Immediately after the attack, the Forum issued a statement in which we condemned this barbaric act, expressed our condolences to all victims and advocated for just retribution for the terrorists. Among other things, we emphasized that the attack was “not just a manifestation of primitive madness. Behind the attack is a cold, cynical calculation to bring new and more serious ‘players’ into the war”. We explicitly asserted that “Hamas decided on this bloody, suicidal adventure at the behest of its patrons and handlers in Tehran and Moscow”.
Now, a year later, this has become clear to many others, including, apparently, the leadership of Israel, which is waging a relentless campaign of retaliation not only against Hamas terrorists, but also against their allies and patrons in Hezbollah and Iran. Israel has dealt a crushing blow to Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, significantly reducing their capabilities.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Israel’s war on its enemies is part of a larger war between the Free World and the forces of totalitarianism and terror. This war cannot be won in one theater alone, for it is global in nature. Putin’s Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine is also part of this war. As are smoldering conflicts in many parts of the world. The axis of evil, including Russia, Iran and North Korea, is really taking shape and is trying the world order on its teeth. Without victory in one place, it is impossible to achieve a decisive victory and sustainable peace in another.
The keys to peace in the Middle East and Ukraine are in Tehran and Moscow. Without opening these armored vaults, this global war cannot be won. Only a crushing defeat for Putin and his Iranian allies will bring closer the very peace that so many desire.
In the meantime, we pledge our support for Israel. And we support the Israelis in their just war against the terrorists and their patrons. We wish them and all of us victory in this endeavor.
Council of the Free Russia Forum,
October 7, 2024.
