Israel has carried out bombings and air strikes in Lebanon, and sent its troops into the country, in a wave of violence that began nine days ago when Islamic militant group Hezbollah captured two Israeli servicemen in a cross-border raid. Israel's attacks have left around 300 Lebanese dead and displaced 500,000, according to the Lebanese prime minister. At least 29 Israelis have also lost their lives.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said, "Moscow confirms its commitment to a decisive war against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We also confirm our demands that that the captured Israeli servicemen be unconditionally freed. However, the unprecedented scale of fatalities and destruction shows that actions [on the part of Israel] to achieve this goal have gone far beyond the bounds of an anti-terrorist operation."
Russian President Vladimir Putin told a Sunday night news conference at a summit that of the Group of Eight industrialized nations that, according to Arab sources, Israel was pursuing goals other than the release of its hostages.
The ministry statement said an immediate ceasefire was the first urgent step needed to end the escalating violence.
"The first urgent step in the current critical situation must be an immediate ceasefire and end to bloodshed. We support the urgent call for this made by Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora."
The Lebanese leader called for an end to Israel's military action - which he called "barbaric" - in an appeal Wednesday. He also asked for immediate humanitarian aid.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said a ceasefire would enable civilians to leave the conflict zones safely, and would allow political and diplomatic negotiations to begin.
The ministry said it had also sent a proposal to deliver aid to Lebanon.
