Russia has issued a call for Israel and Palestine to immediately cease the ongoing war that has resulted in a devastating loss of lives and extensive property damage amounting to billions of dollars.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry urged both Israeli and Palestinian forces to halt their armed hostilities, responding to attacks initiated by the Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel.
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, underscored the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, urging both sides to renounce violence and exercise restraint.
“We call on the Palestinian and Israeli sides to implement an immediate ceasefire, renounce violence,” Zakharova said in a statement.
She also called upon the involved parties to initiate a negotiation process aimed at achieving a comprehensive, enduring, and much-anticipated peace in the region, with the assistance and involvement of the international community.
Zakharova underscored that the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine cannot be resolved through military means, but rather necessitates diplomatic solutions.
She stated, “With the support of the international community, it is essential to establish a negotiation process dedicated to the realization of a comprehensive, long-lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Furthermore, she reiterated Russia’s firm stance in favour of negotiations that aim to create an independent Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital, ensuring coexistence in peace and security with Israel.
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Israel on Saturday, October 7, declared a state of war after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack as rockets were fired towards the country from Gaza strip.
One woman was killed and more than 100 people were seriously injured during the Saturday morning attack.
Consequently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war as he called for an emergency meeting of the country’s top security leaders.
