Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday that the Israel-Palestine conflict could potentially extend beyond the Middle East, Reuters reported.
Russian leader stressed the need to protect innocent civilians, during a meeting with religious leaders of various faiths in the Kremlin and called for an end to the violence and bloodshed in the region,
He conveyed his condolences to the families of those affected by recent violence, including the October 7 attack by Hamas. He also criticized the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in retaliation for the actions of Hamas, stating that it was unjust for innocent people to bear the brunt of the conflict.
“Our task today, our main task, is to stop the bloodshed and violence,” said Putin, according to a Kremlin transcript of the meeting, quoted by Reuters.
“Otherwise, further escalation of the crisis is fraught with grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. It could spill over far beyond the borders of the Middle East.”
The Russian president reiterated his country’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, which he believed was the only way to achieve a long-term resolution. He underlined the importance of halting the violence and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Putin expressed concern that unnamed forces aimed to exacerbate the situation and draw additional countries and people into the conflict. He suggested that these forces sought to create chaos and inflame hatred not only within the Middle East but also well beyond its borders by manipulating national and religious sentiments.
Putin emphasized the need to prevent the escalation of the crisis, describing it as a crucial international task. He warned of the potential for far-reaching and destructive consequences if the violence continued unabated.
“The fight against terrorism cannot be conducted according to the notorious principle of collective responsibility when old people, women, children, entire families, and hundreds of thousands of people are left without shelter, food, water, electricity, and medical care,” Putin stated, urging for a resolution to end the suffering of civilians in the conflict.