Russia believes that Israel is hampering mediators' efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy told Sputnik.
"And it's absolutely clear that it hasn't fulfilled any of the goals of its operation, which were declared by Prime Minister Netanyahu, and what is especially worrying is that the lives of the hostages taken by Hamas are in clear danger and Israel is not doing anything actually to resolve this issue," Polyanskiy said. "It aggravates the issue and complicates the efforts of mediators."
Moreover, the Security Council has been paralyzed due to the United States' vetoes on Gaza resolutions in an effort to "save" its ally, the Russian diplomat added.