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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Moscow calls for renewal of direct Israeli-Palestinian dialogue

Maria Zakharova noted that the situation on the Palestinian territories remains tense

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Russian side calls for renewal of a direct dialogue between Israel and Palestine for lasting settlement of the conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

"The best way out of the extremely unfavorable situation that is developing regarding the Palestinian-Israeli issue would be renewal of a direct dialogue between the parties in order to reach a stable and long-term settlement of the conflict based on the well-known decisions of the global community," the diplomat stressed. "That said, it is necessary to avoid additional escalations locally and prevent actions that may harm innocent people and put an end to the prospects of a long-term peaceful settlement."

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Zakharova noted that "the situation on the Palestinian territories remains tense due to the ongoing protests on Palestinian streets in the wake of US President [Donald Trump’s] decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital." "The situation regarding the Gaza Strip is evolving in a dangerous way, with the victim and death rates growing each day," she added.

On December 6, Trump stated that time has come to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and ordered to move the US embassy there.

On December 18, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution opposing recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The US became the only Security Council member state that voted against this document.

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Foreign policy Gaza Strip Maria Zakharova

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