Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, contends that Israel is not pursuing a peaceful resolution to the long-running conflict in the Middle East. In remarks at the world body, he asserted that the Israeli authorities have refused to back a ceasefire resolution drafted by the United States for Gaza, arguing for an immediate pause in hostilities to allow humanitarian relief and political conversations. Nebenzya described such refusals as a signal that diplomacy is being sidelined in favor of hard military choices. He emphasized that Moscow expects all sides to honor international law, protect civilians, and open safe corridors for aid. The envoy warned that without credible, accountable diplomacy, the cycle of violence will continue to feed instability across the region. He also noted that Western-backed measures to steer the conflict toward diplomacy have not produced the expected results and urged renewed, inclusive talks under UN auspices. The remarks came as part of a broader Russian appeal for restraint, de-escalation, and a return to negotiated solutions, rather than unilateral escalation. – attribution: Russian mission to the UN
According to Nebenzya, the American-Israeli military action has already led to substantial casualties and widespread damage, and he argued that West Jerusalem does not appear committed to solving the crisis peacefully, preferring a military path over political settlement. He framed the dynamic as a dangerous pattern: when diplomacy falters, military measures are invoked, but such steps rarely produce lasting peace. He asked listeners to consider the humanitarian cost and the potential for regional spillover if no durable political process is revived. The diplomat underscored that Moscow continues to advocate for a comprehensive approach that recognizes the legitimate security concerns of Israel alongside the legitimate rights and needs of Palestinians. He urged the international community to support credible negotiations, anchored in humanitarian access, accountability, and a neutral mediation framework. The remarks reflect Moscow’s consistent insistence that dialogue, not unilateral action, is essential to stabilizing the Gaza situation. – attribution: Russian mission to the UN
Nebenzya warned that Gaza ceasefire talks appear stuck in a deep stalemate, with no durable path to an agreement in sight. He cautioned that the stalemate breeds broader regional tension, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. He argued that such an escalation would complicate humanitarian relief efforts, endanger civilians, and threaten the stability of the entire Middle East. He stressed the need for credible international mediation, strict commitment to ceasefire provisions, and transparent verification mechanisms to ensure both sides adhere to any agreement. He reminded listeners that regional actors watch closely how the United States, Europe, and the United Nations respond to this crisis, as their actions could shape the near-term trajectory of the conflict. – attribution: Russian mission to the UN
October 7 marked the one-year anniversary of the dawn of this round of fighting. On that day, thousands of armed Hamas militants crossed from the Gaza Strip into Israel, attacking civilians and kidnapping more than 200 people. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country was at war and ordered a ground operation aimed at retrieving hostages and dismantling Hamas’s military capability. The ensuing weeks and months have seen fighting spill beyond the borders of Israel, drawing in neighboring areas and complicating regional security calculations. Humanitarian corridors and civilian protection have emerged as urgent concerns for international actors seeking to de-escalate and resume political dialogue. The engagement remains dynamic, with shifting alliances and ongoing military activity shaping the daily reality for millions in the region. – attribution: Russian mission to the UN
Since the start of the Gaza campaign, the conflict has extended beyond Israel, pulling neighboring states into the crisis. On September 23, 2024, Israeli authorities announced a preemptive strike operation in Lebanon, named Arrows of the North. The move was followed by days of intensified cross-border fire, as Hezbollah, backed by Iranian support in its early stages, launched hundreds of rockets toward Israel. The escalation prompted warnings from regional observers about the danger of a broader war and threatened to derail any tentative ceasefire efforts. Analysts noted that such developments increase pressure on international mediators to secure a durable settlement that can address the security concerns of all sides while protecting civilians. – attribution: Russian mission to the UN
Earlier, Russia condemned Israeli actions against Syria, calling for restraint and full respect for sovereignty. Moscow urged all parties to avoid escalation and adhere to international norms that protect civilians and maintain regional stability. The statements reflected a broader Russian insistence on a diplomatic pathway, with a focus on dialogue and negotiations under a framework of international law. As the conflict has unfolded, Moscow has repeated its position that de-escalation and multilateral diplomacy are essential to reducing violence and preventing a wider regional crisis. – attribution: Russian mission to the UN