Arab media displays 'Ukrainian military' fighting for Israel in Gaza. MFA reacts
Photo: pokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleh Nikolenko (Getty Images)
The Al Araby television network has released a story alleging the involvement of Ukrainians in the ranks of the Israeli Defense Forces in military operations in the Gaza Strip. However, Ukraine has not deployed its military personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the Middle East region, according to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleh Nikolenko.
"Ukraine did not send its soldiers to the Gaza Strip or any other region of the world. The Ukrainian army defends its territory against Russian aggression," wrote he on X.
In response to the Arab media's coverage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative suggested that the individuals shown in the footage could be of Slavic appearance or Israeli citizens of Ukrainian origin.
"Perhaps AlarabyTV is talking about Israeli citizens of Ukrainian or Slavic origins, but they have no connection to the Ukrainian state," stated Nikolenko.
The spokesperson added that the Ukrainian side hopes for a speedy resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
Background
Earlier today, on December 20, a segment aired on the Al Araby network, broadcasting programs and news in Arabic, featuring individuals in military uniforms conversing in Russian. The actions, as claimed in the story, took place in the Gaza Strip.
The approximately thirty-second video circulating online was captioned: "Ukrainians are participating in the ranks of the Israeli army during the war in the Gaza Strip."
لم ترسل أوكرانيا جنودها سواء إلى قطاع غزة أو أية منطقة أخرى من العالم. فإن الجيش الأوكراني يدافع عن أرضه ضد العدوان الروسي. و ربما يتحدث @AlarabyTV عن مواطنين اسرائيليين من أصول أوكرانية أو سلافية، ولكنه لا علاقة لهم بالدولة الأوكرانية.
— Oleh Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) December 20, 2023
نتمنى احلالا سريعا للسلام في الشرق الأوسط https://t.co/QnBCTkAby1
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the operation in Gaza, and the evacuation of Ukrainians
Recalling that on October 7, Hamas militants invaded Israel, initiating violence and abductions of both military and civilian individuals. In response, Jerusalem declared the "Operation Iron Swords" and targeted terrorist locations in the Gaza Strip.
On November 24, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began for the release of prisoners. The parties agreed to a four-day ceasefire but decided to extend it for an additional two days, contingent on the release of more hostages by the militants.
On December 1, Israel resumed military operations in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Hamas had violated the ceasefire terms. According to Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, Israel resumed fire after Hamas refused to release hostages, including two children.
On December 10, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported a successful special operation to rescue Ukrainian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Over 300 people were successfully evacuated from the dangerous zone.
