Amid the initiation of Israel's ground military operation in Rafah, located in the southern region of Gaza, Moscow is urging strict adherence to international humanitarian law, stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during a briefing.
"The commencement of Israel's ground military operation in Rafah, home to approximately one and a half million Palestinian civilians, adds another destabilizing factor to the entire region. In light of this, we insist on the strict observance of international humanitarian law," emphasized Zakharova.
Russian diplomatic efforts
Zakharova underscored the lack of progress in numerous rounds of negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated discussions aimed at exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. "Russia is actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of Russians and citizens of other nations held in Gaza," - Zakharova stated. - "The current situation underscores the necessity, alongside efforts to resolve the acute phase of the crisis, to lay the groundwork for direct dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis on all aspects of the final status issues."
She specified that this process should culminate in the realization of the internationally approved formula of two states—Israel and Palestine—within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. "Our work in the UN Security Council is directed towards achieving this fundamental objective," - added the diplomat. - "The recent escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone underscores the tragic consequences of attempts to monopolize mediation functions driven by unfounded ambitions to solve global issues single-handedly."
Furthermore, Zakharova highlighted Russia's commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians in the Gaza Strip. "Providing humanitarian aid to Gaza's residents is not just an option but a necessity," she emphasized.
On the Rafah operation
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that they had assumed control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing along the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Additionally, the IDF confirmed launching a targeted counter-terrorism operation in eastern Rafah, including strikes on Hamas military installations and the neutralization of 20 armed militants.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS