The Kremlin said today that it is extremely concerned about recent events in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, warning that the situation could escalate into a wider conflict in the Middle East.

“We are extremely concerned,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

“We are watching with great concern what is happening around Israel in the Middle East. This situation carries a potential risk of spillover, and therefore, of course, is a matter of particular concern to us these days.”

“We believe it is necessary to bring the situation to a peaceful path as quickly as possible because the continuation of such a round of violence [κίνδυνο] further escalation(s) and expansion(s) of this conflict,” Peskov said. “It’s a big danger for the region.”

Peskov said the Russian embassy does not yet have information on how many Russian citizens in Israel may have been injured or killed there. He also said that Russia is in contact with the Palestinians in an effort to find out if any Russians have been injured in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign minister called for a quick end to hostilities between Israeli forces and Palestinian Hamas militants during talks in Moscow today with Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Hait.

Russia and the Arab League can help stop the bloodshed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Lavrov added.

Gait also called for an end to the hostilities but said the violence would continue as long as the Palestinian problem remained unresolved.