GENEVA, February 29. /TASS/. Russia will continue to contribute to stabilization in the Middle East, promoting the settlement process on a universally recognized international legal basis, the Russian delegation participating in the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva has declared.

"Russia will continue to contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the Middle East by advancing the settlement process on a universally recognized international legal basis jointly with the countries of the region and in coordination with other mediators," Ilya Barmin, a Russian delegation representative, said at the session.

He emphasized that Russia "condemns the terrorist attack of October 7, which, however, cannot serve as a pretext for unprecedented bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, arbitrary force actions in the West Bank and the escalation of region-wide tensions." Moscow advocates "an urgent and comprehensive ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages."

"The restoration of the political track of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement on a universally recognized international legal basis also remains crucial," Barmin added.