MOSCOW: Russia urged Israel on Tuesday to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, warning that the ongoing attacks could escalate violence in the Middle East.
Israel reported that commando and paratrooper units had conducted raids into Lebanon as part of a “limited” ground incursion, while Hezbollah announced it had launched a missile barrage into Israel, targeting locations including its spy agency near Tel Aviv.
In a statement, Russia’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on Lebanon, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a withdrawal of troops from Lebanese territory. The ministry emphasized the need for genuine efforts to find peaceful resolutions to the conflict in the Middle East.
“It is clear that the actions of the Israeli military and political leadership, particularly following the assassination of several Hezbollah leaders, will lead to further escalation of violence in the region,” the statement added.
Earlier today, the United Nations warned Israel regarding a “large-scale ground invasion” of Lebanon, following the Israeli military stated a ground operation.
Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the UN rights office, expressed concerns to reporters in Geneva, stating, “With armed violence between Israel and Hezbollah escalating, the consequences for civilians have already been devastating.”
