For all those who are interested in the evolving position of Russia regarding the most recent developments in the 2023 Gaza war, below is an (almost) literal translation of positions publicly expressed by Putin on this matter. The link to the original video is here.
The formulations employed show a degree of continuity with the late Soviet policy in essentials but not in detail. Israel and Zionism are not presented as a settler-colonialist enterprise, for example, but as a side with legitimate and justifiable claims. The commitment is a very ‘general-purpose’ rather unspecific one to the creation of the independent Palestinian state. There is a degree of grievance towards the one-sided American mediation and abandonment of the ‘Quartet’ effort. In particular, the comparison of the ‘siege of Gaza’ to the siege of Leningrad during the Second World War is not meant to draw ‘Israel-Nazis’ parallel but to hint at the devastating, for civilians, consequences of such a measure. All, or almost all, positions voiced are closely aligned with the middle way of the Western European Centre-Left in this day and age.
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I have to say a few words about an unprecedented surge in of Palestinian-Israel conflict. In the course of it, thousands of civilians from both sides were killed. Israelis and Palestinians are living through a large-scale tragedy. This is a direct result of the failure of the US-led policy in the Middle East. Americans, being supported by their European satellites, have been trying to ‘monopolise’ the conflict resolution in the Middle East but they were never bothered to seek for compromises that would be acceptable for both sides. For sure, they (Americans -DS) never took into account the interests of the Palestinian people. The one-sided policy, practiced by the Americans for many years, led to the current situation. The Middle Eastern ‘Quartet’ of international intermediaries was not used. Instead, the USA blocked the work of this group which was unique and , by the way, operated as an arm of the UN. The ‘Quartet’ sided with the implementation of economic measures, economic stimulation, to solve a profound political problem, i.e. creation of an independent Palestinian state. All that gradually, coupled with an expansion of the settlers’ activity, led to today’s tragedy.
We are now learning about the preparation of the ground offensive. Use of the heavy technology in populated areas is very challenging , complex…with serious consequences for both sides involved. And without technology, military operations in populated areas are even more complicated. The scope of civilian deaths would be unacceptable. There are almost 2 million people living there…Now, the main thing is to stop the bloodshed. This should be done by a collective (international) effort. Russia is ready to coordinate actions with all partners that think constructively. There is no alternative to the diplomatic solution. The underlying formula is creation of the independent Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem. That state should exist in peace in Israel. Israel, undoubtedly, was subjected to an attack unprecedented in its cruelty and, of course, has a right to self-defence. This issue should be addressed by peaceful measures. In the given situation, there is no alternative.
Regarding Gaza, measures could be taken, military and other, of a similar nature that were taken during the siege of Leningrad in the sources of the Second World War. We understand what it means, and, in my view, it is unacceptable.
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