https://tass.com/politics/1578499

MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. The Russian Federation strongly condemns Israel's attacks on Damascus, calling them a flagrant violation of international law, and urged to stop armed provocations against the Syrian Arab Republic, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday.

"We strongly condemn Israel's military activities, which are a flagrant violation of international law. We strongly encourage Israel to halt armed provocations against the Syrian Arab Republic and refrain from actions that could have far-reaching ramifications for the whole region," the diplomat said.

She stressed that Israeli airstrikes on the territory of Syria are absolutely unacceptable, especially while many countries, including Russia, are actively helping the country in overcoming the consequences of a devastating earthquake. "Continuing such a vicious practice is absolutely unacceptable, especially while many countries, including Russia, are actively assisting Syria in dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, providing rescuers, doctors, and humanitarian supplies," the diplomat said.

Zakharova recalled that, according to incoming information, the Israeli Air Force attacked various locations in Damascus and its vicinity on the night of February 19. According to her, one of the missiles struck a residential structure in a densely populated region, killing five people and injuring 15, according to preliminary data