Russia Accuses Israel of Using Gaza Negotiations as a ‘Smokescreen’
Russia has claimed that Israel is utilizing negotiations regarding Gaza as a “smokescreen” for its military operations. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Russia has accused Israel of misleading the international community through peace negotiations while actually pursuing a military approach to the conflict in Gaza, as stated by Dmitry Polyansky, the Russian deputy ambassador to the UN.
During a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Polyansky charged that Israel is obstinately pursuing a military resolution and disregarding the council's decisions.
"The Security Council is united in the understanding that the rescue of the remaining Israelis and foreigners by military methods is impossible and that there is no alternative to negotiations. Israeli society understands and recognizes this as well," he stated.
"However, the Israeli leadership, unfortunately, continues to treat the negotiations only as a ‘smokescreen’ designed to distract the international community."
Following the discovery of six hostages killed by Hamas in a tunnel in southern Gaza, Israel called for the UN Security Council meeting. The Israel Defense Forces revealed that the hostages were killed several days before Israeli forces arrived at the tunnel. Among the victims was a Russian, Aleksandr Lobanov.
Polyansky also mourned the deaths of the hostages and other victims in Gaza, stating, “Today we mourn not only the slain Israelis, but all people who died in Gaza, be they Israelis, Palestinians, or citizens of other countries.”
The situation has been further complicated by the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations requested by the Security Council in June under Resolution 2735. Despite calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, the peace talks have stalled multiple times, with each side accusing the other of unreasonable demands.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed the blame on Hamas for the stalled negotiations. "Hamas has rejected everything," he asserted, underscoring Israel’s refusal to relinquish control of the strategic Philadelphi Corridor to prevent further attacks.
"People said: this will kill the deal. And I say: such a deal will kill us," Netanyahu remarked, according to the BBC.
Despite challenges, the US remains engaged, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting the Middle East to promote mediation efforts. Nonetheless, Netanyahu has responded to President Joe Biden’s criticism of his efforts by insisting on concessions from Hamas.
The ongoing UN Security Council meeting also featured affirmations from officials for the immediate release of all hostages and the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
During a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Polyansky charged that Israel is obstinately pursuing a military resolution and disregarding the council's decisions.
"The Security Council is united in the understanding that the rescue of the remaining Israelis and foreigners by military methods is impossible and that there is no alternative to negotiations. Israeli society understands and recognizes this as well," he stated.
"However, the Israeli leadership, unfortunately, continues to treat the negotiations only as a ‘smokescreen’ designed to distract the international community."
Following the discovery of six hostages killed by Hamas in a tunnel in southern Gaza, Israel called for the UN Security Council meeting. The Israel Defense Forces revealed that the hostages were killed several days before Israeli forces arrived at the tunnel. Among the victims was a Russian, Aleksandr Lobanov.
Polyansky also mourned the deaths of the hostages and other victims in Gaza, stating, “Today we mourn not only the slain Israelis, but all people who died in Gaza, be they Israelis, Palestinians, or citizens of other countries.”
The situation has been further complicated by the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations requested by the Security Council in June under Resolution 2735. Despite calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, the peace talks have stalled multiple times, with each side accusing the other of unreasonable demands.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed the blame on Hamas for the stalled negotiations. "Hamas has rejected everything," he asserted, underscoring Israel’s refusal to relinquish control of the strategic Philadelphi Corridor to prevent further attacks.
"People said: this will kill the deal. And I say: such a deal will kill us," Netanyahu remarked, according to the BBC.
Despite challenges, the US remains engaged, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting the Middle East to promote mediation efforts. Nonetheless, Netanyahu has responded to President Joe Biden’s criticism of his efforts by insisting on concessions from Hamas.
The ongoing UN Security Council meeting also featured affirmations from officials for the immediate release of all hostages and the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
