In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia's Muslim population, which is home to at least 25 million individuals, has emerged as a prominent pro-Palestinian voice within the country. The global anger stemming from the ongoing conflict has spillover into Russia, particularly among the Muslim-majority republics of the North Caucasus and Volga-Ural regions, where more than 90% identify as Muslim.

Russians Muslims have been expressing their solidarity with Palestine through collective prayers held nationwide. Additionally, Islamic charities in Russia have been actively collecting aid and raising funds to support charities working in the blockaded strip of Gaza.

According to an anonymous source connected to a charitable organization, the total value of donations and money raised for Gaza in Russia could reach up to 50 million rubles ($536,481). However, the source mentioned that a significant portion of these funds has yet to reach Gaza.

The pro-Palestinian sentiment observed among Russia's Muslims transcends political allegiances, uniting both government critics and supporters. The sentiment serves as a point of unity and helps bridge divides exacerbated by Russia's involvement in neighboring Ukraine.

"While thousands of kilometers separate us, our prayers are always with this brave, patient, and God-fearing nation," expressed a member of Russia's Muslim community anonymously, highlighting the shared emotional connection with the people of Palestine.

The support for Palestine in Russia's Muslim-majority republics, particularly in the North Caucasus, is driven by various factors. Solidarity with fellow Muslims and a shared struggle against oppression are among the primary reasons for the broad support. This resonates strongly with opposition-minded individuals who view the struggle against Israeli occupation as comparable to Russia's perceived occupation of Chechnya.

In Chechnya, where pro-Kremlin leader Ramzan Kadyrov holds power, pro-Palestinian sentiments are equally strong among both his supporters and the exiled opposition. Kadyrov recently declared his support for Palestine and offered to send forces from his region as peacekeepers in the conflict.

Sunday's events in Dagestan, where a mob of local men sought to attack Jews and Israelis rumored to have arrived from Tel Aviv, have left many in Russia's Jewish community fearing for their safety. The incident has sparked confusion among some Chechens, who fail to understand the connection between ordinary Jews and the ongoing conflict. However, others emphasize the importance of recognizing that there are Jews who speak out against the violence and violations against Palestinians.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has heightened tensions and brought the issue of Palestine to the forefront in Russia. The surge in pro-Palestinian sentiment among Muslims in the country reflects the deep emotional and ideological connections that have united diverse segments of society. However, concerns remain regarding the potential increase in Islamophobia and the impact on Russia's Muslim population.