Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, during which the two leaders discussed regional conditions and the recent escalation in the Gaza Strip. According to the Egyptian presidency, diplomatic efforts currently underway to contain the situation and prevent the expansion of violence and conflict threatening the security and stability of the region were reviewed. There was consensus on the importance of prioritizing the path of supporting a ceasefire and restoring security stability, with a focus on protecting civilians and preventing them from being targeted. They also addressed the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need to provide safe access to humanitarian and relief aid. The two presidents agreed on the necessity of working seriously to address the root causes of the crisis, particularly the continued absence of a political horizon for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, and the establishment of a Palestinian state according to agreed international legal references.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also received a phone call from President Putin on Monday, during which they discussed the latest developments on the Palestinian front, according to the Palestinian news agency "Wafa." The statement mentioned that the Palestinian president praised Russia's stance in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East in accordance with international resolutions. Abbas expressed condolences to the families of Russian citizens who lost their lives during the escalation in Gaza. During the phone call, the Palestinian president also emphasized the need to halt attacks on civilian populations, create safe corridors to deliver medicines and food to Gaza, and provide water and electricity for the residents of the Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed by President Putin of Russia's readiness to assist in peacefully resolving the confrontations in the region. Putin confirmed during talks with several Middle Eastern leaders that the stagnation in the peace process in the region is the reason for the escalation. The Kremlin stated after the phone conversations that "the general consensus is that the unprecedented current escalation is due to the long-standing stagnation in the Middle East peace process." He clarified his principled position supporting the resumption of the political process to reach a long-term and just solution to the Palestinian issue based on recognized international legal foundations, which will include the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.
President Putin expressed deep concern about the potential for the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis to escalate into a regional war. He described the violence against civilians in the Middle East conflict as unacceptable, stating: "For his part, Vladimir Putin affirmed that any form of violence against civilians is inacceptable."
