Lavrov warns Palestine is disappearing from global discourse as Guterres condemns Israeli killing of Palestinian family in West Bank.
Key Developments
- Lavrov says Palestinian issue “conveniently forgotten” amid US-Israel-Iran escalation.
- UN chief condemns Israeli killing of Palestinian family, including two children.
- West Bank violence intensifies as Gaza genocide continues to dominate the regional crisis.
“Conveniently Forgotten”
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Monday that the Palestinian issue is being sidelined amid the escalating confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Moscow with Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Lavrov said that before the recent escalation, international discussions about the Middle East had centered largely on the question of Palestinian statehood.
“Now everyone is talking about a crisis, a conflict in the Middle East, but they are not referring to Palestine at all,” Lavrov said. “Palestine is being conveniently forgotten.”
Lavrov argued that the shift in global attention represents a serious political failure for the international community, particularly institutions tasked with enforcing international law.
He described the current situation as “a most serious blow to the reputation of the international community,” especially the United Nations.
According to Lavrov, regional powers and international actors must acknowledge their responsibility to ensure that longstanding UN resolutions regarding Palestinian rights are implemented.
“I believe that everyone here, perhaps first and foremost the countries of the region, the Arab states, needs to recognize their responsibility,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia would support efforts aimed at ensuring that the United Nations remains accountable for the decisions it has adopted.
‘Iran Is Defending Itself’ – Lavrov Says US-Israel Made a Major Miscalculation
Calls for Ceasefire
Lavrov’s remarks came as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
The Russian foreign minister called for an immediate halt to hostilities, describing the cessation of military operations as an urgent priority.
“Everything must be done to ensure that all participants in this crisis situation cease actions that damage civilian infrastructure and lead to civilian casualties,” Lavrov said.
He also suggested that Washington and Tel Aviv are already realizing that their expectations of a swift military operation against Iran were misplaced.
According to Lavrov, the assumption that Tehran could be quickly subdued has proven unrealistic.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it is willing to mediate diplomatic efforts to end the crisis if genuine negotiations are pursued. Lavrov reiterated that Iran would require credible security guarantees as part of any political settlement.
He also criticized proposals from Washington suggesting that Iran should surrender all of its enriched uranium, saying such demands indicate an attempt by the United States to gain control over global energy resources.
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UN Condemns West Bank Killings
Lavrov’s comments coincided with a strong condemnation from the United Nations following the killing of a Palestinian family by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the incident through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
“I can tell you that the Secretary-General condemns the recent killings of members of a Palestinian family by Israeli security forces, including children in the occupied West Bank,” Dujarric said during a press briefing.
The family—consisting of a husband, wife, and two children aged five and seven—was reportedly shot while traveling in a car. Two additional children were injured but survived.
The UN warned that the incident reflects a broader deterioration of the security situation in the occupied West Bank.
“These killings occur amid a deeply troubling deterioration of the security situation across the occupied West Bank that is devastating the Palestinian population,” Dujarric said.
The spokesperson also highlighted the growing intensity of attacks carried out by illegal Israeli settlers.
“Illegal Israeli settler attacks have become more severe and they’ve become more cruel,” he said, adding that “this violence is unacceptable and must stop.”
The UN called on Israeli authorities to comply with international law and ensure accountability.
“Israeli authorities must bear the responsibility to protect the Palestinian population, ensure that credible investigations are carried out and those responsible held to account,” Dujarric said.
Israeli Massacres Continue in Gaza, 16 Palestinians Killed in 24 Hours
Escalation in the West Bank
Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank has intensified dramatically since the Gaza genocide began in October 2023.
According to Palestinian health officials, attacks by Israeli forces and illegal settlers have killed more than 1,100 Palestinians, injured over 11,700, and led to more than 22,000 arrests.
Illegal settler violence has also increased sharply during the same period.
Data from the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission indicates that settler attacks have killed dozens of Palestinians and forced entire communities from their homes amid Israeli military raids and escalating settler violence.
(Anadolu, UN, Palestinian Media, PC)
