Israel launched a military operation in Lebanon after Lebanon-based Islamist group Hizbollah movement took two Israelis hostage on Wednesday. At least 55 Lebanese civilians were killed. Israeli aircraft also bombed the Gaza Strip.
The ministry also condemned Hizbollah's abduction of Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid Wednesday, and as what it sees as a disproportionate response on the part of Israel.
"We urge Israel to stop incursions into Lebanon and the destruction of the country's civil infrastructure, and to lift the blockade on its territories. As Mideast experience shows, the security problem is impossible to resolve by military means," the ministry said.
Ministry Spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said that the leaders of the Group of Eight industrialized nations would also discuss the recent escalation of the Middle East conflict at this weekend's summit in St. Petersburg, and would urge Israel and Lebanon to resume talks.
"Traditionally, G8 leaders discuss current international issues, in addition to the main topics, during summits. Naturally, the situation in Lebanon will be addressed and leaders will urge the sides to return to negotiations," ministry's spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said.
The ministry also said it would soon send its special envoy to the Middle East, Sergei Yakovlev, for consultations in the region.
Yakolev said, "I will leave in a couple of days for consultations in the region, including with the UN mission representatives."
