The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Israel on Tuesday to take urgent measures to prevent the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip. The ministry demanded that Israeli authorities take immediate steps to halt the escalation, enforce a ceasefire, and allow unhindered humanitarian aid access, ensuring essential supplies including food reach all those in need. The statement highlighted recent UN reports describing Gaza’s food insecurity at record levels, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling the situation ‘hell’ and reminding Israel of its obligations as an occupying power to provide food to the population. UN officials warned that famine is being used as a weapon of war and could have been avoided if Israel allowed humanitarian supplies. The deteriorating conditions in Gaza were described as near genocide and ethnic cleansing by UN representatives.

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that famine is expected to spread to Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah by the end of September, threatening the lives of 132,000 children under five, including 41,000 suffering from severe malnutrition. Moscow anticipates that UN Security Council members will attempt to adopt a resolution focusing on overcoming the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.