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Middle East conflict

Russia ready to discuss Turkey’s idea about guarantors for Israel, Palestine — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the initiative is clearly driven by the intention to de-escalate things and bring the situation back to normal

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

© Russian Foreign Ministry/TASS

PYONGYANG, October 19. /TASS/. Russia is ready to discuss and consider Turkey’s initiative to establish a guarantor system in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Moscow and Ankara staying in touch on the issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters in Pyongyang.

"We are ready to discuss any constructive proposals. The said initiative <…> is clearly driven by the intention to de-escalate things and bring the situation back to normal," Russia’s top diplomat said.

To him, the Turkish initiative is rooted in the desire to ensure a balance of interests, rather than imposing one parties' interests at the expense of another's. "We are ready to work together to consider this [initiative]," Lavrov added.

Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced Ankara’s plans to address the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with a proposal to join forces to resolve the conflict between Palestine and Israel based on a guarantor system.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 when militants from the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas staged a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and began delivering air strikes on the enclave and certain parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are underway in the West Bank of the Jordan River as well.

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Foreign policy Sergey Lavrov

Military operation in Ukraine

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Canada neglects its sovereignty by approving transfer of land mines to Kiev — diplomat

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US decision on strikes inside Russia stems from malice rather than strategy — journalist

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West launched missiles targeting Russia’s Bryansk, Kursk Regions — Putin

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Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

Sergey Naryshkin observed that the military and political elites in the West are increasingly recognizing the gravity of Russia's intentions and the need for greater caution in their actions

Russia counts on West's responsibility in nuclear deterrence issues — Kremlin

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Russian army pushes Ukraine out of Kurakhovo water reservoir’s north shore

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ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant for alleged crimes in Gaza Strip

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Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

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Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

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Ukraine has around 50 ATACMS missiles — The Times

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Soyuz rocket carrying Progress MS-29 cargo spaceship blasts off from Baikonur spaceport

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Press review: Uranium costs soar as Moscow updates nuclear doctrine and US OKs attacks

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Newly arrived Ukrainian soldiers rob, loot in Kharkov Region’s Kupyansk

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Ex-UK Labor party leader wants PM to clarify situation with Storm Shadow missiles

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US Senate refuses to block arms supplies to Israel

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Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

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West’s decision on missile strikes gives Russia free hand to attack NATO bases — expert

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