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Russia's statement on Wednesday highlighted the escalating conflict in Gaza, attributing it to Israel's military action in Rafah and expressing skepticism about the prospects for peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized the destabilizing impact of Israel's incursion into Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that has become a refuge for over a million displaced Palestinians. Zakharova underscored the importance of strict adherence to international humanitarian law, particularly given the concentration of approximately 1.5 million Palestinian civilians in Rafah.
Commenting on efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East, Zakharova expressed disappointment, stating that the situation in Gaza was deteriorating daily and was far from being resolved.
The conflict began when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others, with 133 believed to still be held captive in Gaza, according to Israeli reports.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel's offensive has claimed the lives of nearly 35,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians.