Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West, particularly the United States, of being responsible for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, specifically in the Gaza Strip. In a televised statement, Putin blamed the "ruling elites of the U.S." and their allies for backing the recent violence between Israel and Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in Israel on October 7th.

During a meeting with members of his Security Council, government officials, and heads of law enforcement agencies, Putin asserted that the US and its "satellites" were involved not only in the Gaza crisis but also behind conflicts in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. He claimed that the West thrives on perpetuating chaos in the Middle East and deliberately undermines countries advocating for an immediate ceasefire and resolution to the crisis.

Expressing Russia's support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution, Putin further antagonized Israel by welcoming a delegation from Hamas in Moscow. This move has intensified tensions between Russia and Israel, as the latter views Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Putin has constructed a narrative of Russia protecting fellow Russian speakers and defending against alleged oppression, attributing his military involvement in Ukraine in February 2022 to this cause. Over the past year, he has framed Russia's actions as a struggle for survival against a US-led West seeking to use Ukraine to dismantle and crush Russia.

In his statement, Putin tied the ongoing crisis in the Middle East to the conflict in Ukraine by claiming that Russia is fighting shadowy US forces on Ukrainian battlefields. He argued that fighting those responsible for the tragedy in Palestine is crucial for helping the Palestinians and asserted that Russia is engaged in a "special military operation" to secure true freedom.

Furthermore, Putin asserted that the creation of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state is the key to resolving the conflict, suggesting that such a solution may not align with Washington's stated objectives. The Russian president also pointed fingers at the West and Ukraine for recent events in Dagestan, specifically referencing a mob incident at Makhachkala airport, which targeted passengers who had just arrived from Israel. While providing no evidence, Putin suggested that the events were orchestrated by Western intelligence services, potentially fueled by social media manipulation.

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Putin's remarks have added fuel to the already contentious geopolitical landscape. The allegations against the West and the US in particular highlight the complexities and differing perspectives surrounding the conflict in the Gaza Strip. As global stakeholders seek avenues for de-escalation and a path toward peace, the blame game between Russia and the West threatens to further hinder diplomatic progress.