Putin says civilian losses from Israeli ground operation in Gaza would be ‘unacceptable’

BISHKEK: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said an Israeli ground operation in Gaza would result in a level of civilian casualties that would be “absolutely unacceptable”.

Putin was speaking after Israel’s military called for all civilians of Gaza City, more than 1 million people, to relocate south within 24 hours, as it amassed tanks ahead of an expected ground invasion in response to a devastating weekend attack by the militant group Hamas.

Putin said that using heavy weaponry in residential areas was “fraught with serious consequences for all sides”.

“And most importantly, the civilian casualties will be absolutely unacceptable. Now the main thing is to stop the bloodshed,” he said.