New York: Russia has condemned a recent Israeli airstrike on the Palestinian Red Crescent Society headquarters in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, calling it a “targeted attack” and demanding protection for humanitarian personnel.
The incident, which left one aid worker dead and several others injured, was raised by Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy, during a UN Security Council meeting on Palestine.
“We are shocked by the targeted attack by the IDF on the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Khan Yunis,” Polyanskiy said. “One staff member died, and several were injured. Russia calls on Israel to stop this lawlessness and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out the strike on Saturday, prompting widespread criticism from international humanitarian organizations.
Polyanskiy also expressed alarm at what he described as Israel’s attempts to “cleanse and colonize” the West Bank.
His remarks followed a July 23 report from Israeli news outlet Ynet, which noted that the Knesset had passed a symbolic resolution calling for the extension of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. While the motion carries no legal force, it was backed by members of right-wing parties who claim it is necessary for Israel’s national security.
“We are equally concerned by the fact that the Israeli authorities decided to cleanse and colonize the West Bank of the Jordan River,” Polyanskiy told the Council.
The Russian envoy also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that many Palestinians are “starving and dying.” On July 23, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported a sharp rise in deaths related to acute malnutrition in Gaza, affecting over 10 per cent of the population. More than 20 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding women were found to suffer from severe forms of malnutrition.
Although Israel allowed the resumption of foreign aid deliveries to Gaza on July 26, via the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, distribution remains limited to the enclave’s south.
Reports of Israeli forces firng on Palestinians waiting in food aid lines have also surfaced
