Putin: The Israeli Operation in Gaza Will Lead to Civilian Casualties

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated today, Friday, that "the Israeli ground operation in Gaza will lead to civilian casualties, and the most important thing is to stop the bloodshed." Putin said, "The conflict must be resolved through peaceful means, and Russia supports the two-state solution." He pointed out that "the use of heavy weapons in residential areas is fraught with dire consequences for all parties." He added, "Most importantly, civilian casualties will be 'completely unacceptable'. The fundamental issue now is to stop the bloodshed." He compared the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza to the Nazi blockade of Leningrad during World War II and called for a resolution to the conflict through mediation. Putin declared that the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza is unacceptable.