"Putin's Stance on Israeli Ground Assault in Gaza and Support for Palestinian State"

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that civilian casualties resulting from an Israeli ground assault in Gaza would be "absolutely unacceptable," emphasizing the need to stop the bloodshed and calling for a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks. Putin criticized the use of heavy weapons in residential areas and reiterated Russia's support for a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state. He also criticized the United States, highlighting the failures of its policy in the Middle East. Israel's military has ordered over a million people to evacuate within 24 hours, ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza, which has raised concerns about worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.