On the participation of Ambassador of Russia to Israel in the IV scientific conference on Israel studies of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences – the Aleksandr Bovin Readings

On October 21, Ambassador of Russia Anatoly Viktorov addressed the organizers, participants and guests of the IV scientific conference on Israel studies of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences – the Alekandr Bovin Readings – via videoconference, on the topic: "Israel: October 7, 2023 – Retrospective and Prospective".

Anatoly Viktorov emphasized that Russia condemns any acts of terrorism, including the actions of Hamas on the territory of Israel on October 7, 2023, but the disproportionate use of force, leading to mass casualties among the civilian population, cannot but cause regret and condemnation. He emphasized the unwavering position of our country in connection with the events taking place in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, which is consistently communicated in the Security Council and other UN venues, in bilateral contacts with the Israelis, Palestinians and representatives of virtually all states in the region.

He recalled that Russia calls on all parties to exercise restraint and immediately cease hostilities, which would prevent further bloodshed, allow urgent efforts to correct the catastrophically worsening humanitarian situation, including the issue of releasing forcibly detained persons, and create conditions for a political and diplomatic settlement based on the well-known decisions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

He pointed out the strategic failure of the US policy, which tried to replace the Middle East settlement process with economic half-measures and monopolize it without taking into account the fundamental interests of the peoples living there.

He noted that Israel remains an important partner of Russia in the Middle East region. Drew attention to the fact that Russia's efforts to resolve pressing humanitarian issues, including the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip, primarily our compatriots, have not ceased for a single day. He confirmed Russia's readiness to contribute to achieving lasting peace and stability in the entire Middle East region.