Russia: Mideast on Verge of Catastrophe

MOSCOW: Russia says the Palestinian territories occupied or surrounded by Israeli forces are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. A Russian foreign ministry statement issued Tuesday, says urgent measures are needed to ease the conditions of civilians, who are suffering from shortages of food, medical assistance, water and electricity.

Russia, a co-sponsor with the United States of the Middle East peace process, repeated its demand for an Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories, including Ramallah.

Also Tuesday, a group of Orthodox, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish community leaders in Russia issued a statement condemning the violence in the Middle East and urging Israel and the Palestinians to begin talks to build a just and durable peace for all those who live in the Holy Land.

VOA