CIS Foreign Ministers expressed concern about the escalation of the situation in the Middle East

The foreign ministers of the CIS countries express concern about the sharp escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and call on the parties to immediately cease hostilities. This is stated in the statement of the CIS Foreign Ministers.

The ministers condemned “any manifestations of extremism, terrorism,” as well as hostage-taking and other violent acts against civilians. They also expressed concern about the “looming humanitarian catastrophe” in the Gaza Strip. The foreign ministers called for compliance with international law and ensuring the supply of food, fuel and medical care to “all those in need.”

The statement also spoke of the need to open humanitarian corridors for the removal of civilians and emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to establish a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS Member States in a narrow format stated about the need to create an independent state of Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem. Commenting on Israel’s preparations for a ground operation in Gaza, the Russian leader emphasized that in such a scenario, “loses among civilians would be absolutely unacceptable.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also previously expressed hope for the creation of a Palestinian state after the end of the conflict – based on the principles approved by the UN.

On October 7, the Palestinian group Hamas began military operations against Israel. The militants attacked the army’s border units, entered Israeli populated areas and took hostages. Their exact number is still unknown.

The Israeli Army (IDF) responded by launching Operation Iron Swords. The Israeli government announced that the country had entered a state of war. Since October 9, the Gaza Strip has been under blockade by the IDF: Tel Aviv has interrupted the supply of electricity and water to the enclave. Earlier today IDF called Gaza civilians evacuate to the south. The UN said that the Israeli military gave 24 hours for this, we are talking about the evacuation of about 1.1 million civilians in Gaza.

According to the latest data, the death toll in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has exceeded 2,800 people. The death toll on the Israeli side reached 1,300 people, and on the Palestinian side – more than 1,500.