Russia: The situation in the Middle East is the result of America's failed policy

According to TASS news agency on January 18, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said that the current situation in the Middle East is the result of the failed policy of the US administration.

“All these problems did not arise out of nowhere, but against the backdrop of unprecedented military activities by Israel, which declared war on seven fronts. Until recently, these activities received unconditional support – military and international political – from Washington,” the Russian diplomat said.

Mr. Nebenzia noted that the “failed” US approach has created a crisis situation in which the entire Middle East region, “civilians and peacekeepers working there” seem to be the real peacekeepers.

However, a ceasefire agreement expected to take effect from January 19 between Israel and Hamas is expected to have widespread implications for many parties in the Middle East.

Earlier, on January 15, Egypt, Qatar and the US issued a joint statement on the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said the agreement includes three phases, starting from January 19. The first phase lasts 42 days, during which the Israeli army will withdraw from densely populated areas and the two sides will exchange hostages.