Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that his country sees no alternative to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state according to the 1967 borders, saying Israel must reach this conclusion.
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow on Thursday, Lavrov strongly criticized the West’s "double standards" on the Ukrainian war and war on Gaza.
He announced that he intends to participate in Monday's United Nations Security Council session on the Middle East, where he will present his country's comprehensive vision of the requirements for a settlement in the region.
Russia has repeatedly “declared its vision for the developments in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian territories, and region in general, especially Iraq and Yemen,” he went on to say.
He stressed that the US and its allies “have undoubtedly violated all international laws and standards in these areas, including UN Security Council resolutions.”
On Gaza, Lavrov strongly criticized the US administration, saying it practiced the worst types of “double standards,” noting the West was quick to accuse Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine, while continuing to turn a blind eye to the atrocities in the Palestinian territories.
Double standards
The FM called for abandoning the double standards, emphasizing that Moscow is concerned with the rules and principles of international law during combat operations.
Lavrov also harshly criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Washington was hearing from virtually every country in the Middle East that they wanted the United States to be at the table in discussions over how to bring about an end to Israel's war on Gaza.
Lavrov added that Blinken said the US alone is capable of mediating between the Palestinians and Israelis, adding that Russia is aware of its secret contacts with some Arab countries.
He noted that these contacts do not necessarily lead to a direct and effective dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis.
He stressed that the only solution can be achieved through an international quartet committee, including representatives from Russia, the US, UN, EU, and Arab League, while accusing American and European officials of obstructing the work of the committee.
Moreover, the top diplomat said efforts must rely on joint action without monopolizing mediation efforts.
The efforts must include the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, existing side by side with Israel and under Security Council resolutions, said Lavrov. Any other scenario will not lead to stability in the region and another war on Gaza will erupt in the future, he remarked.
Lavrov warned that “without a final solution to the Palestinian cause, the Palestinian people will continue to live in injustice.”
“A Palestinian state must be established to end this conflict. I hope that the Israeli leadership will reach such a conclusion,” he urged.
Furthermore, Lavrov said his country is neutral and maintains contact with all parties. It is interested in Israel living in peace and security, he went on to say, noting that there are 2 million dual Russian-Israeli citizens living in Israel.
He added that Moscow was ready to exert every effort to provide security for Israel during the full implementation of the relevant settlement decisions.
“Palestinians and Israelis must sit at the direct negotiating table” and determine the future of the Palestinian state, demanded Lavrov, adding that the “Israelis cannot use the Holocaust as an excuse to do whatever they want.”
