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Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Russian, Egyptian leaders call for soonest release of hostages in Gaza

Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed concern about the increase in civilian casualties in the Palestinian enclave

© Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS

MOSCOW, November 14. /TASS/. The presidents of Russia and Egypt, Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, emphasized during a phone conversation on Tuesday that the sides to the Israli-Palestinian conflict need to end bloodshed and release hostages as soon as possible, the Kremlin press service said.

"The principal importance of soonest ceasefire, release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians was underscored," the press service said in a statement.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Tuesday to discuss "the rapidly deteriorating situation in the zone of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Both sides expressed their "deep concern by the unprecedented civilian casualties which include thousands of women and children."

"The principal importance of soonest ceasefire, release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to Gaza civilians was underscored," the Kremlin press service said.

Putin also thanked his Egyptian counterpart "for Egypt’s all-round assistance in the evacuation of Russian citizens from the Gaza Strip."

The two leaders also reaffirmed their support to "the internationally accepted model that envisages creating an independent State of Palestine, co-existing in peace and security with Israel" and agreed to stay in touch.

Tags

Vladimir Putin Egypt Palestine Israel Israeli-Palestinian conflict

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