Russia offers Arab League to collaborate in ending bloodshed in Palestinian-Israeli conflict

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia and the Arab League should contribute to ending the bloodshed in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.

"Russia and the Arab League, all members of this organization, can and should contribute to solving problems, first of all, ending the bloodshed and suffering of civilians," Russia’s top diplomat said at his meeting with the Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Moscow.

Lavrov emphasized that in addition to putting an end to the fighting and finding a solution to the issue of the civilians, who are suffering greatly under the current circumstances, it is crucial to pay close attention to the factors that have prevented a lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.

The minister also noted that the reasons why the conflict has not been settled over decades have to be thoroughly analyzed.

The Gaza-based resistance group Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel early Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets. It said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.

In retaliation, the Israeli army launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the fighting, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.