Russia's stance on the war in Gaza/ Netanyahu criticizes Putin

2023-12-10 17:57:38, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Russia for its stance on the war in the Gaza Strip during a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Sunday, the Israeli prime minister's office said.

Netanyahu's office said in a press release that the Israeli leader expressed his displeasure with the positions taken by Russian representatives at the United Nations and other international forums.

Russia on Friday supported a Security Council resolution calling for an end to Israel's war in Gaza, which, however, was blocked by the United States, which used its veto.

Netanyahu also "expressed harsh criticism of the dangerous cooperation between Russia and Iran," according to a statement from his office.

Israel is facing criticism and calls for a cease-fire because it has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians and displaced nearly 85 percent of Gaza's 2.3 million residents inside the besieged territory, where, according to the UN, no one remains. no safe place to shelter.

"Any country that would be hit by a criminal and terrorist attack like Israel was hit, would respond with the same force that Israel is using," Netanyahu told Putin, according to the report.

Netanyahu has expressed gratitude for Russia's commitment to the release of Israelis with Russian passports who were being held captive by Hamas - the radical Palestinian group declared a terrorist organization by the US and the EU.

About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, while more than 240 others were taken hostage. During a temporary one-week ceasefire, some of the hostages were released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

However, it is believed that over 130 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza.

In response to that attack, Israel is waging a devastating ground and air war, killing more than 17,400 Palestinians – 70% women and children – and injuring some 46,000, according to the Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Health, which says many other people were trapped under the ruins./ REL