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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
Unofficial translation from Russian
PRESS RELEASE
In Relation to the Israeli Strikes on the Gaza Strip
1029-09-06-2006
According to incoming reports, strikes by Israeli aircraft, artillery and gunboats have caused many civilian casualties in different areas of the Gaza Strip over the last two days. More than ten Palestinians have been killed and dozens more injured, among them women and children.
Moscow is deeply concerned by the serious degradation of the situation in the Gaza Strip. We extend our sincere condolences to the relatives of the dead and sympathy for the injured.
What has happened confirms the inadmissibility of the disproportionate use of force, especially when Palestinian civilians die as a result. We urge the Israeli leadership to refrain from actions which only add to the tension in the already not easy situation in Palestinian-Israeli relations. This is critically important now that an inter-Palestinian dialogue is under way in the PNA territories and a national platform is being worked out for the sake of a peaceful settlement with Israel.
We express hope that the PNA authorities, for their part, will show restraint and composure, prevent a destabilization of the Palestinian territories and put up a reliable barrier to anti-Israeli terrorist actions.
June 9, 2006
Document Type: Press Release
Country: Russian Federation
Subject: Casualties, Gaza Strip, Incidents
Publication Date: 09/06/2006