Statement by the Yabloko Chairman, 10.10.2023

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It is with alarm and pain that we, together with the entire world, observe the unfolding tragedy in Israel and Palestine. A monstrous massacre carried out by fanatics. A new war, another burning fire on our small planet. We sincerely sympathise with all the victims and those injured, and their families.

There are no and cannot be any justifications for medieval barbarism and terrorism. Israel has, certainly, every right to repel the militants. But Hamas is not equal to all of Palestine.

It is impossible to punish an entire people for the atrocities of its numerous, but still individual, representatives. During anger, even righteous anger, many spontaneous decisions can be made with the consequences of which one will have to live further.

Humanitarian law and individual (not collective) responsibility are among the most important achievements of the modern world.

Sometimes politicians think that with the help of war they can solve a long-standing problem and “close the issue”. But “closing” will not work. It is an extremely difficult question how to fairly resolve this long-standing conflict. However, murders, hostages, violence are not the path towards peace and prosperity. Nowhere and never.

World leaders must do everything in their power to bring peace to this ancient land.

Nikolai Rybakov,

Yabloko Chairman