Israeli action to free hostage must spare civilians: Russian FM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Israel on Wednesday to avoid harming the lives of Palestinian civilians in its action to free an captive Israeli soldier.

Lavrov had a follow-up discussion of the situation in Palestinian territories over the phone with his Israeli counterpart, Tzipi Livni, who visited Moscow two days ago, the Foreign Ministry said.

"Lavrov confirmed Russia is working to end the confrontation and -- as a priority task -- to gain the release of the Israeli serviceman who has been captured," the ministry said in a statement.

"Meanwhile, it was stressed that Israel should act with utmost restraint and circumspection, without endangering the lives and security of Palestinian civilians and resorting to extrajudicial punishment," it said.

Palestinian militants kidnapped the 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit on June 25 during a deadly attack on an Israeli army post near the Gaza border, sparking the latest crisis between the Israelis and Palestinians.

In the wake of the raid, Israeli troops entered the Gaza Strip in the largest incursion into the coastal area since Israel pulled out forces and settlers last summer following a 38-year occupation.

After meeting Livni on Monday, Lavrov urged Palestinians militants to free the Israeli soldier and called on Israel to exercise restraint in its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Xinhua