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Russia troubled by Israeli army’s actions in Gaza Strip, envoy says

Anatoly Viktorov stressed that although it’s crucial to fight against terrorism, it’s also important to weigh the costs

MOSCOW, November 15. /TASS/. The Israeli army’s actions in Gaza have Moscow deeply concerned, Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov said.

"The Israel Defense Forces says that headquarters and command posts that it believes belong to Hamas are legitimate targets. As we can see, this is a heavy-handed approach, without regard for civilian casualties. Such actions are certainly deeply troubling to us, as well as to most countries around the world," the diplomat told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

The envoy pointed out that although it’s crucial to fight against terrorism, it’s also important to weigh the costs. "Nothing can justify civilian casualties. We have always said this," Viktorov added.

Tensions in the Middle East flared up again on October 7 after militants from the radical Palestinian group Hamas launched 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. Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza and launched ground operations in the enclave, also carrying out air strikes on targets in the Strip, as well as on certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.