MOSCOW, Oct 25 Some forces are trying to pull in other countries are in conflict in the Middle East, Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with representatives of religious associations.
“We see attempts by some forces to provoke further escalation, to drag as many other countries and peoples into the conflict as possible, using them for their own selfish interests, to launch a real wave of chaos and mutual hatred not only in the Middle East, but also beyond its borders «, he said.
The head of state noted that the worsening of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict also concerns Russia. According to him, the country is following with alarm and pain the events in the Holy Land, which has sacred significance for Christians, Muslims and Jews. The President emphasized that a humanitarian catastrophe is currently occurring in this region. He also announced attempts to play on religious feelings in the context of what is happening in the Middle East. According to Putin, the purpose of such actions is to increase instability in the world.
The President also called for a stop to bloodshed and violence in the region.
“Otherwise, further growth of the crisis is fraught with severe and extremely dangerous, destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. This could spill far beyond the borders of the Middle East,” he noted.
The head of state recalled Moscow’s position on this conflict: it is based on decisions of the UN Security Council, which provides for the creation of two independent, sovereign states — Israel and Palestine. He emphasized that this is the only way to achieve long-term and fundamental peace in the Middle East.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is associated with the territorial interests of the parties and has remained a source of tension and fighting in the region for many decades.
A new round of confrontation began after Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7. After massive shelling, Hamas fighters entered the border areas in the south of the Jewish state. The movement's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip. Within days of the attack Tel Aviv took control of all settlements near the border and began carrying out airstrikes on targets, including civilians, in the enclave.In addition, Israel announced a complete blockade of Gaza: supplies of water, food, electricity, medicine and fuel were suspended.
The number of victims in the Palestinian enclave exceeded five thousand, over 15 thousand people were injured. More than 1.3 thousand people were killed in Israel. In addition, according to various estimates, up to 250 people may be held captive by Hamas.
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