A statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry warned that “there are reports of dozens of Lebanese civilians killed”.

The combined nature of the Israeli invasion, involving all military branches, suggests that the number of casualties will steadily increase, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

“It is obvious that such a step taken by Israel’s military and political leadership following the assassination of several Hezbollah leaders will lead to a new escalation of violence in the Middle East region,” the Russian diplomatic department noted.

Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and calls on the Israeli authorities to undertake a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict, Moscow stressed.

We express our solidarity with the leadership and friendly people of Lebanon, which has been the victim of armed aggression.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, the Russian Foreign Ministry appeal stated.

mh/abo/ro/gfa