Russian Diplomatic Vehicle Targeted by Israeli Settlers in West Bank
A Russian diplomatic vehicle was attacked last week by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, further escalating tensions in the region. The incident occurred near Giv’at Asaf on July 30, leading to mechanical damage to the vehicle, reports 24brussels. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the inaction of Israeli Defense Forces, stating, “The Israeli Defense Force soldiers didn’t even bother to try and stop the attackers’ aggressive actions.”
Zakharova confirmed that members of the Russian diplomatic mission to the Palestinian Authority were inside the vehicle when it was targeted. The assailants not only caused damage but also verbally threatened the diplomats, while Israeli soldiers nearby failed to respond. Russia condemned this act of aggression, calling the Israeli military’s lack of intervention “particularly puzzling.”
“We regard this incident as a blatant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” Zakharova stated, emphasizing that a formal diplomatic note has been submitted to Israeli authorities. The attack underscores a concerning trend of impunity for violence against foreign diplomats in the region.
This incident arrives amid heightened violence in Gaza, where ongoing military actions by the Israeli Defense Forces following the escalation in October 2023 have reportedly resulted in over 59,000 Palestinian deaths, the majority being women and children, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
In light of these events, Russia reiterates its support for Palestinian statehood. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed last month, “Russia has always adhered to a two-state solution as the basis for resolving the Palestinian issue.” This support is rooted in Moscow’s historical recognition of Palestinian sovereignty dating back to 1988, when the Soviet Union endorsed the Palestinian declaration of independence.
As violence against settlers increases and Gaza remains under siege, Russia occupies a critical space in contrasting its call for justice and adherence to international law against the backdrop of Western powers who continue to support the actions of the Israeli government.
