Moscow: The Kremlin on Monday stated that Russia is calling for an immediate cessation of Israeli airstrikes targeting civilians in Lebanon. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the significance of protecting civilian lives during a press briefing with journalists, stating, "We would like to see an end to strikes on civilian targets. It is very important that civilians do not become victims of strikes." According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov's comments were made in response to a query regarding Israel's recent escalation, which involved at least seven airstrikes on the southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday evening. This marked the most intense bombardment since the conflict erupted last year, as reported by Lebanese state media. The airstrikes came on the heels of Israeli evacuation orders issued to civilians residing in 12 buildings across several neighborhoods in southern Beirut, including Haret Hreik, Choueifat, Ghobeiry, Bir al-Abed, and Moawad. Peskov highlighted the necessity of expanding avenues for delivering humanitarian aid to conflict zones in the Middle East. He remarked on the dire humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, stating, "Because the humanitarian crisis is not only gaining momentum, if we talk about Gaza, then we are all witnessing the most terrible humanitarian crisis which is happening there." He further described the humanitarian situation in Lebanon as an emergency. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen Israel intensifying its airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah positions. This escalation is part of a year-long military engagement with the Lebanese group since the inception of the Gaza war last year. The conflict has resulted in over 3,600 fatalities in Lebanon, with more than 15,300 individuals injured and over 1 million people displaced since October of the previous year, as reported by Lebanese health authorities. The situation further deteriorated when Israel expanded its military operations by initiating a ground assault into sout hern Lebanon on October 1 this year.