Palestinian Ambassador Criticizes Israel's Decision to Launch Ground Operation in Gaza as a Significant Error

20 October 2023

According to Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal launching a ground operation in the Gaza Strip would be a significant mistake for Israel.

 

"They have made a decision, but they haven't initiated it yet. We believe that the current situation is extremely precarious, and it would be a significant mistake for Israel to commence this attack," the diplomat told TASS.

 

Nofal stressed that if such a scenario unfolds, "there is a definite risk of other nations getting entangled in this conflict as well." He clarified, "This pertains to Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, for instance."  "Our stance is clear. We remain on our territory, resolute and unwavering. We will resist any military offensive," the ambassador affirmed.

 

"I emphasized that sooner or later they would initiate this operation. It could be tomorrow, or it could be today; the timing remains uncertain," - the diplomat continued. - "They have instructed our civilians to relocate from the northern Gaza Strip to the south. Whether it happens today or tomorrow, we cannot predict, but when the Israeli side commences the operation, it will undoubtedly result in a significant catastrophe, presenting challenges for everyone involved."

 

He stated that Israel's ground operation wouldn't conclude quickly, emphasizing it won't be a one-day, two-day, ten-day, fifteen-day, or twenty-day endeavor.

 

Earlier, Israeli Ambassador to Russia, Alexander Ben Zvi, informed TASS that Israel had determined to initiate a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The diplomat stressed that this was necessary to achieve the objectives of dismantling Hamas infrastructure and securing the release of hostages. However, Ben Zvi did not specify the exact commencement date of the ground operation.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Maxim Grigoriev/TASS

Based on materials from TASS