In a speech delivered at the United Nations Security Council, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Maria Zabolotskaya accused Israel of intentionally obstructing investigations into the crimes committed in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Zabolotskaya stated that Moscow would welcome any efforts aimed at uncovering the atrocities perpetrated during the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. She criticized Israel's actions, asserting that the regime has impeded access to reliable information, hindering the UN's ability to investigate the situation effectively.
The conflict, initiated by Israel on October 7, 2023, following Hamas' Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, has resulted in the deaths of over 31,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Additionally, more than 72,000 others have been injured, and the blockade imposed by Israel has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Referring to a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Zabolotskaya emphasized the plausible suspicion of genocide in Gaza and called on Israel to take measures to prevent further atrocities against the Palestinian people.
Furthermore, Zabolotskaya condemned acts of violence against Israelis while reaffirming Russia's stance against collective punishment of Palestinians and Israel's violations of international humanitarian law. She asserted that the majority of the world's states share Russia's position on the matter.
