Russia condemns strike on Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza Strip

Russia, on Friday, condemned a strike on a Greek Orthodox Church in the Gaza Strip, which was sheltering displaced people, Anadolu Agency reports.

We categorically reject the indiscriminate use of force, we categorically reject strikes from whichever side; they are carried out on civilian objects, naturally, we condemn and proceed from the fact that this issue will be investigated accordingly

Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokesman, Alexey Zaytsev, said in response to Anadolu’s question at a news conference in Moscow.

The official also “categorically” condemned any attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The Gaza Health Ministry said at least 16 Palestinian Christians were among those killed in Israeli attack on the church Thursday evening.

Military build-up contradicts goals of Israel-Palestine settlement

Zaytsev told Anadolu that the sides, directly or indirectly involved in the current confrontation around the Gaza Strip, “make provocative statements” which could expand the armed confrontation to neighbouring countries and even to the entire region.

“We do not believe that this contributes to improve the situation and achieve peace,” he stressed.

The diplomat criticised the build-up of foreign military presence in the armed conflict zone as a factor that inevitably raises risks of further escalation.

Russia supports a political and diplomatic solution for the Middle East conflict through Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, with the goal to establish an independent Palestinian State based on international law, he said.

The US has deployed two aircraft carriers — and their supporting ships – to the eastern Mediterranean, saying they are meant to ensure the conflict does not expand.

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