In one of its strongest statements yet on the Gaza conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday denounced Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling them “collective punishment of the civilian population.”
Speaking at a regional forum, Lavrov said, “What is happening in Gaza is incomprehensible and indescribable,” criticizing Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. He insisted that the measures taken by Israel go beyond self-defense and instead inflict suffering on innocent civilians.
Russia and Israel have historically shared relatively warm ties, with around one-fifth of Israel’s population being Russian-speaking. Both nations have also coordinated closely in Syria, and Israel has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, avoiding alignment with Western sanctions.
However, Moscow’s position appears to be shifting as it strengthens diplomatic and economic relations with Arab countries. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s alignment with the Arab world, stating:
“We, together with our Arab friends and the overwhelming majority of other countries, insist that the bloodshed must stop immediately.”
The statement signals a notable pivot in Russia’s Middle East posture, placing it firmly with nations calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.
