The Kremlin called any efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip positive
Russia welcomes any attempts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a briefing on January 16.
"Any settlement that leads to a ceasefire and an end to the suffering of the people in Gaza, that adds security to Israel, can only be welcomed," he told reporters.
He added that the Russian side was not involved in reaching a ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian Hamas and called for waiting for the process to be finalized.
Earlier in the day, Al Jazeera TV reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a massive strike on the Gaza Strip after reaching an agreement with Hamas. At least 30 Palestinians were killed, it said.
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza became known the day before. It is expected to go into effect on January 19. In the first phase of 42 days should be released 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The IDF said it was preparing to receive the freed. Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog called the agreement a correct and necessary step. UN Secretary General António Guterres also supported the deal and expressed readiness to provide assistance.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump linked the agreement to his election victory, while incumbent U.S. leader Joe Biden linked it to his administration's efforts. At the same time, the White House admitted difficulties in the implementation of the deal.
The situation in the Middle East escalated on the morning of October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian movement Hamas subjected the territory of Israel to a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israel began retaliatory strikes.
