Moscow: Russia expressed concern Friday about the halt in Palestinian peace efforts following tensions in the Middle East triggered by a US-Israeli military offensive against Iran. The Foreign Ministry underlined that pushing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which it described as a ‘key issue,’ to the margins of the regional agenda carries long-term risks of profound military and political destabilization, with global repercussions.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Foreign Ministry noted persistent violations of the ceasefire regime, resulting in civilian casualties. It highlighted a significant shortfall in humanitarian assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip, who are already exhausted by years of conflict. Moscow addressed concerns over the expansion of Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank, which is accompanied by a rise in violence against Palestinians.

The ministry also emphasized that recent developments seriously damage the prospects for achieving a sustainable two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in line with the UN-endorsed international legal framework. Israeli forces have reportedly carried out daily violations of a ceasefire in place since Oct. 10, resulting in 736 deaths and 2,035 injuries as of March 18, according to Palestine Health Ministry data.

Israel launched a war on Gaza in October 2023, leading to the deaths of more than 72,000 Palestinians, injuring around 172,000, and devastating 90% of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure.