Israeli soldiers are seen next to the border fence on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, as Palestinians protest on the Gaza side of the border, Israel April 5, 2018.. (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)
On April 9, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) slammed Israel over the deteriorating situation around the Gaza Strip:
“Considering the absolutely unacceptable use of indiscriminate force against civilians, we again call on the Palestinians and the Israelis to abstain from steps that will provoke the further escalation of dangerous tensions”.
The Israeli army is trying to suppress protests on the border with Israel – the “Great Return March”, which started on March 30. A total of 30 Palestinians were killed in two weeks of tremendous protests.
The MFA also noted that on April 9, the Israeli Air Force had struck facilities in Gaza with several rockets.
Moscow stated that the main cause of this violent confrontation had been the absence of any progress towards a long-term and fair Palestinian-Israeli reconciliation. Russia supports a transparent investigation into these incidents.
The MFA went further by saying that urgent measures and special political efforts are needed to deescalate tensions and achieve a sustainable peace between Palestinians and Israelis based on a relevant international legal foundation.
