Russia: Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin has raised concern over the “catastrophic increase” in the number of civilians killed in Israel and the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-Israel war.
The Russian President also blamed Washington’s policy in the Middle East, which had “failed to take the needs of Palestinians into account.”
“Mr. Putin further expressed his concern for civilians killed in Israel and Gaza during a phone call with Turkish leader Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
“The emphasis was placed on the sharply worsening situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone. Deep concern was expressed about the continuing escalation of violence and the catastrophic increase in the number of civilian casualties,” the statement noted.
According to reports, the two leaders reiterated the need for “an immediate ceasefire” and “the resumption of the negotiation process.“
Earlier, Mr. Putin called the creation of a Palestinian state “necessary” and blamed the latest explosion of violence on US policy in the region.
“I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East,” the Russian leader said at the start of a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed al-Sudani.
? President Putin: Unfortunately, we see a sharp escalation of the situation in the #MiddleEast.
☝️ This is an example of the US failed policy in the region. It tried to monopolise the settlement process, but was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides. pic.twitter.com/gpqNeXnH0B
— MFA Russia ?? (@mfa_russia) October 10, 2023
Mr. Dmitry Peskov, Mr. Putin’s spokesperson, stated that the Kremlin was in touch with both warring sides in Israel and Gaza and would seek to play a role in resolving the conflict.
“We intend to keep making efforts and play our role in terms of providing assistance to seek ways to a settlement,” Mr. Peskov remarked.
“Moscow has longstanding ties with the Palestinians, including Hamas, which sent a delegation to Moscow in March. But it also has a lot in common with Israel, including the fact that many Israelis are former Russian citizens,” the statement added.
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