Zakharova said Russia disapproved of Israel's decision to launch an operation in Gaza.

Russia disapproves of Israel's decision to launch a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip. This was stated at a briefing on May 20 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, answering a question from Izvestia.

"Of course, we are disappointed by this decision of the Israeli authorities, which will inevitably lead to a further increase in the number of civilian deaths and new destruction," she stressed.

According to Zakharova, Moscow has repeatedly publicly stated that the only way to normalize the situation in Gaza lies through transferring the conflict resolution to a political and diplomatic channel.

"For this, it is necessary to ensure a complete ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian assistance to the population of the strip, which will help create conditions for restarting the political process in order to find a just and long-term solution to the Palestinian problem on a well—known international legal basis," the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

In addition, Zakharova added that Russia is actively and consistently striving to achieve these goals as soon as possible in cooperation with partners and like—minded people both in a bilateral format and on the platforms of international organizations, primarily at the UN.

Pressure point: Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of its operation

The IDF has stepped up operations around the entire perimeter of the exclave — during one of the strikes, the head of the military wing of Hamas was killed.

As a result of the nighttime bombing and shelling of areas of the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the night of May 20, at least 43 people were killed. It was clarified that the strikes were carried out on Khan Yunis and other areas of Gaza.