Russia expresses concern over situation in West Bank

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed concern Wednesday over the situation in the West Bank.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Zakharova said the level of violence has significantly increased in this part of the occupied Palestinian territories since the war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas began on Oct. 7.

"According to the UN, during this time, 231 Palestinians, including 59 children and teenagers, were killed by Israeli security forces and settlers. At least 143 Palestinian families -- more than a thousand people -- were forced to leave their homes," she said.

Zakharova also pointed to tensions in Jerusalem, where she said provocations against Christians have become more frequent.

Specifically, she mentioned a dispute between the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and a pro-settlement Israeli organization which started preparing a disputed plot as a construction site without waiting for a court ruling.

"We call on the Israeli authorities to take measures to ensure a fair solution to this sensitive issue within the framework of the law. We believe that the rights of all religious communities in the country should be protected to the same extent," she said.

Commenting on a statement by US President Joe Biden in favor of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Zakharova said he did not mention when Washington plans to start implementing it in practice.

She noted that the US course "easily changes by 180 degrees depending on the interests and moods in American ruling circles," citing as an example the Iran nuclear deal, which was signed by one US administration and abandoned by another.

- Russian relations with European countries

Asked about Russia's participation in the Nov. 30 - Dec.1 summit of the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Zakharova said a Russian delegation is preparing for it, but there is no final decision on a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"Three representatives of the Russian media were not allowed to work at the OSCE Ministerial Council, including to cover the activities of the Russian delegation...A lot of requests for bilateral meetings have been received. There will be meetings in both multilateral and bilateral formats," she noted.

Zakharova called Moldova's decision to join the European Union’s anti-Russian sanctions “a hostile step,” saying it is aimed at the destruction of bilateral relations and will be reciprocated.

She criticized the World Summit for Food Security which took place in London on Nov. 20, saying it was "an attempt by the British authorities to absolve themselves of responsibility" for the food crisis and "a manipulation of the topic of food."

"The loud words of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the impact of a special military operation on the increase in the scale of world hunger are another confirmation that this is a global disinformation campaign," she said.

Zakharova emphasized that according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the level of global hunger has been rising since 2015, but Britain intentionally tries to hide the irresponsible sanction policy of the West that led to such a situation and organizes for this purpose summits aimed at forming "a certain ideologized image" instead of seeking solutions.

She also rejected Finland's accusations of Russia organizing illegal migration to the country, emphasizing that Russia did not force Finland to adopt laws providing for the protection of people in difficult humanitarian situations.

"Many countries of the world do not pursue such a policy…This state has always been proud of it and set itself as an example...And many people heard it…People are looking for a better life, and sometimes just life. They look where they can come and see the relevant legislation of Finland. That's where they go. What kind of hybrid attack or war is there from Russia? What is there to talk about?"

Refugees come to Finland in search of a better life or survival because Helsinki declared to the whole world that it would help people in such a situation but cannot keep its promise and blames Russia for this, although it is not involved and has nothing to do with it, she added.