Moscow-Sana
Today, Russia strongly condemned the attacks of the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem, stressing that the confiscation of Israeli lands and settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories is a violation of international law.
"Russia is following with great concern these developments ... We strongly condemn the attacks on peaceful civilians, and we call on all parties to refrain from any steps that could escalate violence," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by Russia Today.
The statement pointed out that among the factors that “contributed to fueling tensions in Jerusalem” was the decision of the Israeli occupation authorities to forcibly evacuate Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood and pass plans to build 540 new settlement units, in addition to the recent martyrdom of two Palestinians west of Jenin in the West Bank.
In the statement, Russia affirmed its principled and firm position, which was reflected in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, stating that the confiscation of lands and properties located therein and the Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, do not carry legal force, noting that "such steps constitute a violation of international law."
The Israeli occupation forces continue their crimes against Al-Quds people, as more than 205 Palestinians were injured and others were arrested as the Israeli occupation forces stormed the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque yesterday evening and fired poison gas canisters to force worshipers to leave the mosque.