MARRAKECH, December 21. /TASS/. The foreign ministers of Russia and the Arab states, who took part in the 6th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum held in Marrakesh, called for the creation of a multilateral mediation format to resolve the Palestinian problem.

"[The ministers] urge an intensification of international diplomatic efforts in this regard through the establishment of multilateral mediation format with a leading role of the countries of the Middle East, the League of Arab States and the organization of Islamic Cooperation," according to the joint statement adopted following the session.

The statement also expressed support for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to resolve the conflict in Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance to its population.

Tensions flared up in the Middle East after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip attacked Israeli territory on October 7, when many Israelis living in the settlements near the border were killed and over 200 people, including children, women and the elderly, were taken hostage. Hamas views its attack as a response to Israeli authorities’ steps against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.