Moscow has claimed that Israel is prioritizing a military solution to the Gaza war over diplomatic efforts.
Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy envoy to the UN, stated that Israel has been using peace negotiations as a distraction from its true intentions in Gaza.
Addressing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Polyansky accused Israel of “stubbornly seeking a military solution to the problem, while attempting to ignore the decisions of the UNSC.”
“The Security Council is united in the understanding that the rescue of the remaining Israelis and foreigners by military methods is impossible and that there is no alternative to negotiations. The Israeli society understands and recognizes this as well,” the diplomat said.
“However, the Israeli leadership, unfortunately, continues to treat the negotiations only as a ‘smokescreen’ designed to distract the international community.”
Israel requested the UNSC meeting following the discovery of the bodies of six hostages abducted by Hamas in a tunnel in southern Gaza Strip. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Palestinian militants executed the hostages several days before Israeli troops entered the tunnel. Among those killed was a Russian national, Alexander Lobanov.
While condemning the deaths of the hostages, Polyanksy argued that “the captives have fewer chances of survival while the Israeli operation in Gaza is ongoing.”
“Today we mourn not only the slain Israelis, but all people who died in Gaza, be they Israelis, Palestinians or citizens of other countries.”
In June, the Security Council passed Resolution 2735, which called for “an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire with the release of hostages.” The negotiations have since stalled repeatedly, with both sides accusing each other of making unreasonable demands.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the breakdown of peace talks, claiming the militants had “rejected everything.” He asserted that Israel would not relinquish control of the so-called Philadelphi Corridor – a strip of land in southern Gaza near the Egyptian border – arguing that the IDF’s presence was essential to prevent further Hamas attacks.
“People said: this will kill the deal. And I say: such a deal will kill us,” Netanyahu said on Wednesday, as quoted by the BBC.
The US has persisted in mediating between Israel and Hamas, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting the Middle East this month. However, Netanyahu rejected President Joe Biden’s claim that he was not “doing enough” to reach a peace agreement. “Hamas has to make concessions,” he said.
Addressing the Security Council on Wednesday, UN officials reiterated their calls for the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire.