Russia and the Arab League should contribute to ending the bloodshed in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, said on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports.
Russia’s top diplomat said at his meeting with the Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, in Moscow.
Lavrov emphasised that, in addition to putting an end to the fighting and finding a solution to the issue of the civilians, who are suffering greatly under the current circumstances, it is crucial to pay close attention to the factors that have prevented a lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.
The Minister also noted that the reasons why the conflict has not been settled over decades have to be thoroughly analysed.
The Gaza-based Resistance group, Hamas, launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel early Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets. It said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.
In retaliation, the Israeli army launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 560 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,900 others.
At least 800 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the fighting, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
Lavrov criticises West for its imbalanced position
Lavrov said any violence, damage or killing of civilians, regardless of which side they take, is “unacceptable” to Russia.
“Both the Arab League and Russia, in parallel, almost simultaneously urged to immediate cease-fire, to end of hostilities, any violence and transfer to talks,” he noted.
The Minister expressed concern over “hundreds of dead” and “thousands of injured” on both sides, declaring the Gaza Strip a “target” for Israeli strikes and skirmishes on the Jordan River’s west bank.
“The conflict potential is accumulating on the Israeli-Lebanese border,” he said.
The official criticised the West for condemning the attack against Israel and calls “to destroy terrorists,” saying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen a lot of escalations, the problem is that once the tensions are eased no efforts have been made to implement a two-state solution, which is the key for the peace in the region.
Russia has repeatedly confirmed its interest in the security of both Palestine and Israel, but the US is trying to monopolise mediation efforts for a settlement, he noted.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, for his part, said the Arab League takes a “logical and balanced position” on the conflict and thanked Russia for its position in the UN Security Council.
Source : MEMO