Russia condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Syria

MOSCOW

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned on Wednesday Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon and Syria.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Zakharova said despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon.

"Every day, Israeli Air Force planes conduct massive rocket and bomb strikes, with hundreds of reconnaissance and attack drones active over southern Lebanon," she said.

"We observe a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law," Zakharova said, adding that some strikes occur in densely populated neighborhoods of Beirut and other cities.

She cited an example from Sept. 27, when a bombing targeted six multi-story residential buildings, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

"Warnings issued to Lebanese residents about evacuating specific areas are too general to be effective, leading to civilian casualties that far outnumber those among Hezbollah fighters," she added.

According to Zakharova, over one million Lebanese have been internally displaced, while 400,000 managed to cross into Syria before an Israeli strike on the Masna border crossing disrupted transport links between Beirut and Damascus.

Regarding Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon, Zakharova said clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have delayed further advancements.

Russia estimates that Hezbollah, including its military wing, remains organized and fully operational, she asserted.

"On Oct. 3, Russia was one of the first countries to deliver humanitarian aid to Beirut, also evacuating some diplomatic personnel," she said, emphasizing that Moscow views Lebanon as a key part of the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

She reiterated Russia’s condemnation of all military actions that contribute to regional instability and expressed condolences to the victims' families, while calling for a diplomatic solution based on international law.

- Strike on Damascus

Commenting on Israel's Oct. 8 strike on Damascus, Zakharova described it as a "gross violation of Syria's sovereignty," highlighting that the attack targeted a densely populated residential area, killing seven civilians, including women and children, and injuring 11 others.

"It is outrageous that such actions have become a routine practice applied to Syria, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. We once again call on the Israeli side to respect the sovereignty of states and respect the basic norms of international law," she emphasized.

Zakharova pointed at "an extremely irresponsible and dangerous nature of the committed act of aggression," saying it clearly shows the desire for further expansion of armed escalation in the region.

"This irresponsible act of aggression demonstrates a clear desire to further escalate the regional conflict," the official said.