Vladimir Putin: “Israel Has The Right To Defend Itself. But Without Independent Palestine There Will Be No Peace.”

Russia expresses its position on the war in Israel. Six days after the Hamas attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized Israel’s legitimate right “to defend itself in order to guarantee its peaceful existence.” The Kremlin leader, however, stressed that a stable and lasting peace can only be achieved after the creation of “independent Palestine” with its own capital in East Jerusalem.

“For Russia, peace negotiations have no alternative to resolving the conflict between Palestine and Israel. The goal of the negotiations should be the implementation of the ‘two-state formula’ developed by the UN, which provide for the creation of a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem. This state will be able to coexist in peace and security with Israel that was attacked with incredible brutality,” the Russian president said at the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Kyrgyzstan. “Russia is ready,” Putin added, “to coordinate efforts with all constructive partners.”

The death toll from Israeli bombings rose to 1,799 on Friday, October 13, while 6,388 were wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Israel has not reported its tragic losses since October 11: that day, the Hamas attack killed 1,300 Israelis, including 220 soldiers. More than 3,000 people were wounded. The United Nations called on Israel to “react moderately and in a balanced manner.”

Based on the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Putin said that the system of international relations “is undergoing irreversible changes that relate primarily to the indicators of the global economy, which is the basis of everything else,” the Russian leader emphasized.

Putin blamed the USA, whose “failed politics directly led to the current unprecedented tragedy.”

“The Americans, with the support of their European allies, tried to monopolize the search for peaceful solutions for the Middle East, but they did not bother to find compromises acceptable to both sides and certainly never took into account the fundamental interests of the Palestinian people,” Putin emphasized.

According to the Russian leader, the unilateral position of the USA has led the Palestinian-Israeli process to a dead end.

“The so-called quartet of international mediators for the Middle East was not used. Under completely far-fetched pretexts, the USA practically blocked this unique format, which, by the way, had a mandate approved by a special UN resolution,” Putin emphasized, warning of the serious consequences of the Israeli ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

“We heard that Israel is preparing a ground operation in Gaza. We know, speaking almost professionally, that heavy weapons and military equipment are difficult to use in urban and residential areas. This action will have serious consequences for all parties. And actions without adequate weapons will further complicate such operations, and civilian casualties will be absolutely unacceptable,” the Russian leader concluded.