Russia Warns Provocative Statements on Palestine Could Fuel Further Tensions
Dragon Media News Desk
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned that increasingly harsh statements by some members of the Israeli government regarding Palestine could further intensify hostility and intolerance between Palestinians and Israelis.
Responding to a media question on September 10, Zakharova said Russia had taken note of statements threatening the physical elimination of the leadership of the Palestinian National Authority, the complete annexation of Palestinian territories and the expulsion of the Arab population.
She linked the increasingly tough rhetoric from senior Israeli officials to the electoral campaign gaining momentum ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. At the same time, she stressed that competition for votes could not justify provocative statements that risk deepening mutual hostility between Palestinians and Israelis.
Zakharova called on all parties to the conflict to act responsibly and refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation. She said Russia continues to support constructive approaches aimed at creating conditions for the resumption of direct Palestinian-Israeli dialogue on all unresolved issues.
According to Zakharova, there is no alternative to a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue based on established principles of international law. Russia supports the creation of an independent, viable and territorially contiguous Palestinian state that would coexist with Israel in peace and security.
She said only the implementation of such a formula could guarantee lasting peace for all peoples of the Middle East.
Russia has consistently maintained that the Palestinian question should be resolved through international law, relevant United Nations decisions and direct political dialogue. Zakharova’s latest remarks once again underline Moscow’s preference for restraint, negotiations and a legally grounded political settlement over further escalation.
