Israeli Urges To Stop Violence And Lift Blockades In Gaza Strip, Russian Ambassador: This Is Unacceptable

JAKARTA - Russia's Permanent Deputy for the United Nations (UN) Vasily Nebenzya urged Israel to stop violence and lift the blockade in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

"Unfortunately, the Palestinian population's problems are not limited to Gaza. We are deeply concerned about the situation in the West Bank, where Israeli forces intensified their operations. Western Jerusalem's actions resulted in large-scale damage, exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, and removed hopes for refugee families to return to their homes," he said at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip at the United Nations Headquarters. New York, United States on Wednesday, reported TASS July 17.

"We regularly receive reports of killing Palestinians, confiscation of territory, and demolition of buildings. This is unacceptable," he stressed.

Ambassador Nebenzya further urged Israel to immediately stop violence in occupied Palestinian territories, ensure the protection of civilians, and not hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid. He also urged that the blockade in the enclave be lifted immediately.

The Russian diplomat stressed that the method of violence to resolve the issue of hostages in Gaza proved ineffective, calling for an immediate ceasefire with the mediation of international parties and the release of all detainees.

On the occasion he also approved Saudi Arabia and France's plans to hold an international conference to support a two-state solution, which is scheduled to be held at the end of July in New York.

"The years of Arab-Israeli confrontation have proven that there is no and there cannot be another peaceful scenario for the Middle East," added Ambassador Nebenzya.

It is known that the latest conflict in Gaza broke out after a Palestinian militant group attacked Israel's southern region on October 7, 2023, leaving 1,200 people dead and another 251 held hostage according to Israeli calculations.

Israel responded to this by blocking, airstrikes and military operations in the Gaza Strip region.

Israel and the Palestinian militant group agreed to a ceasefire and exchange of hostages and detainees on January 19.

At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to be still alive. The majority of the initial hostages have been released through diplomatic negotiations, although the Israeli military has also released several hostages.

On March 2, Israel again carried out a total blockade against Gaza under the pretext of pressuring Palestinian militant groups to agree on a ceasefire proposed by the United States and a exchange of hostages.

As the ceasefire agreement ended, Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18.

As of yesterday, Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip since the latest conflict broke out have reached 58,573, while 139,607 others have been injured, according to a medical source in Gaza, quoted from WAFA.