Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Thursday that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could have devastating consequences for the entire region.
During a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov emphasized the dire impact on civilians, stating that “tens and hundreds of thousands” are suffering due to the ongoing violence.
“Unfortunately, the conflict is spreading, with the Lebanese front now involved. This naturally results in the destruction of civilian infrastructure, leaving countless people homeless, without livelihoods, and out of work,” Peskov said, referring to the continued Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon and Gaza.
When asked about Russia’s possible response to further escalation, particularly concerning the Russian-operated Hmeimim Air Base in Syria, Peskov refused to speculate, stating, “Any assumptions here would be inappropriate.”
Since Sept. 23, Israel has conducted heavy airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. These attacks have killed at least 1,323 people, injured over 3,700, and displaced more than 1.2 million. The aerial assaults mark an escalation in the yearlong cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified following Israel’s offensive on Gaza. Over 42,000 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in Gaza since a Hamas attack last year.
Despite international concerns that the region is on the verge of a broader war, Israel expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 by launching a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, further intensifying the crisis.
