Russia demands 'Israel' halt Rafah operation: UN envoy
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Vassily Nebenzia stated that now is the moment to consider how to prevent the war from escalating further.
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The Chahine family prepares to bury two adults and five boys and girls under the age of 16 after an overnight Israeli strike in Rafa on May 3, 2024 (AP)
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated Tuesday that Russia is urging the Israeli occupation to halt its aggression on Rafah, demanding all sides "accept the ceasefire."
During a meeting on Gaza, Nebenzia told the Security Council members that Russia demands " Israel halt the operation and Rafah, we also call upon all parties to immediately unconditionally cease-fire, release hostages and the detained Palestinians."
Nebenzia stated that now is the moment to consider how to prevent the war from escalating further.
Days ago, the Netherlands' Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren condemned the Israeli invasion in Rafah, stating that the occupation entity did "too little" to minimize civilian casualties.
"I think this war has taken too many lives among the civilian population. We said: Rafah is a place where it is impossible to conduct military activities without great casualties. However, that is what happened," Ollongren told Dutch TV broadcaster NOS, adding that "Israel" has done "too little" to prevent victims among the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, despite the demands of the international community.
The defense minister also noted that there are currently insufficient opportunities to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population.
This comes as Mousa Abu Marzouk, the head of the International Relations Office of Hamas, affirmed that the position of Hamas and other Resistance factions aligns with the principles outlined in the UN Security Council ceasefire resolution. These principles include the complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a permanent ceasefire, the provision of urgent humanitarian aid, the return of displaced persons to their homes, reconstruction, and the exchange of prisoners.
Abu Marzouk's statements came after a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov at the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow on Monday evening.
Abu Marzouk informed the Russian side about the systematic genocide the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip are subjected to, the Israeli occupation plans to usurp the West Bank and al-Quds, and the blatant violations against Palestinian detainees in Israeli occupation prisons.
The two officials exchanged views on the political and field developments, the overall situation regarding the Palestinian cause, efforts to halt the genocide against the Palestinian people, Palestinian unity efforts, and bridging internal Palestinian divisions.
While Abu Marzouk expressed his appreciation for Russia's efforts to promote stability in the region, Bogdanov stated that Russia's stance on the Palestinian issue remains firm in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, confirming Russia's ongoing efforts with various parties to end the war on the Gaza Strip.
The UN human rights office has also condemned at least 50 Palestinians.
