MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. The telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the Russian leader condemned terrorism in all its forms, was held on December 10 at Moscow's initiative, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Channel One.

"We have once again confirmed, having also been confirmed by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin in a conversation with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, which took place at our initiative, that we categorically do not accept any manifestations of terrorism, especially such brutal ones as happened on October 7," he said.

The minister expressed hope that "the sentiments that are now growing in the world will be heard" both in the US and in Israel.

The Kremlin press service reported earlier that Putin told Netanyahu that Russia was ready to facilitate de-escalation in Gaza. The Kremlin also noted that during the conversation, the two "expressed mutual interest to further cooperate on the evacuation of Russian citizens and their families, as well as the release of Israelis held in Gaza." The press service added that Putin and Netanyahu agreed to stay in touch.

The previous telephone conversation between Putin and Netanyahu took place on October 16, shortly after the Palestinian-Israeli escalation began. Even then, the Russian president told the Israeli prime minister Russia was ready to facilitate a settlement.