Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized Israel’s continued bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, stating that it cannot be justified by any means. Speaking before a closed-door meeting with members of the Russian Security Council and heads of law enforcement agencies on Monday, Putin expressed his concern over the ongoing violence and loss of innocent lives in Gaza.
“The horrible events currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip, when hundreds of thousands of innocent people are getting indiscriminately annihilated, have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from bombardment, cannot be justified by anything,” Putin stated. He further emphasized that Israel’s actions only invoke anger and should not be allowed to continue.
However, Putin cautioned against being driven solely by emotions in addressing the situation in the Middle East. While acknowledging the distress caused by the sight of bloodied and dead children, suffering elderly, and the death of medics, he urged for a rational and measured approach.
The Russian President noted that the crisis in the Middle East began with a terrorist attack on Israeli civilians. Instead of punishing those responsible for the attack, Israel opted for vengeance and assigned collective responsibility for it, Putin said. He expressed disappointment with this approach, suggesting that it has contributed to the escalation of violence.
The current escalation between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 with a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group. In response, Israel launched a massive aerial and artillery bombardment of Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and heavy civilian casualties. Local health authorities report that more than 8,000 Palestinians, including over 3,300 children, have been killed. On the Israeli side, more than 1,400 people have lost their lives during the conflict, according to the IDF.
Putin’s statement comes at a time when the international community is calling for an end to the violence and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Nations, as well as several world leaders, have condemned the disproportionate use of force by Israel and called for a ceasefire.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of innocent lives and work towards a peaceful solution. The international community must support efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue, with the ultimate goal of achieving lasting peace in the region.
In conclusion, Putin’s condemnation of Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza reflects the global concern and outrage over the ongoing violence and loss of innocent lives. It is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community must play a proactive role in ensuring the protection of civilians and promoting lasting peace in the region.
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