Russia warns of ‘absolutely unacceptable’ civilian casualties in case of Israeli ground operation in Gaza

MOSCOW (AA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that civilian casualties will be “absolutely unacceptable” in case of an Israeli ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a meeting of the heads of the Commonwealth of Independents States (CIS) in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, Putin said that employing heavy military equipment in residential areas carries significant risks for all parties involved, yet conducting the operation without it poses its own set of challenges.

The Russian leader blamed the US for the current escalation in the Palestine-Israel conflict, saying Washington tried to solve the political problem, namely the creation of a Palestinian State, with the help of certain measures of economic stimulation.

“The current escalation is a direct result of the failed US policy in the Middle East … The United States tried to monopolize the Middle East settlement, but was not concerned about finding compromises, and did not take into account the fundamental interests of the Palestinian people,” Putin stressed.

He said that Washington blocked the work of the Middle East Quartet – the group that Russia, the EU, UN, and US formed to address the issues of the Palestine-Israel conflict.

“All this gradually led to today’s aggravation. We will talk about this in an informal meeting,” he said.

Putin also reiterated Russia’s readiness to act as a mediator in the Palestine-Israel settlement.

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip, a response to last weekend’s Operation Al Aqsa Flood by Hamas in retaliation for the relentless stormings of the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched the disproportionately aggressive Operation Swords of Iron against the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.