MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov discussed with co-founder of the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI) Mustafa Barghouti the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip by telephone.

"During the conversation, a set of issues related to the sharp aggravation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was discussed. The conversation focused on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities leading to numerous civilian casualties was emphasized, as well as urgent assistance to the residents of the Palestinian enclave," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its website.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7. Hamas has cast the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israel has declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and started a military operation there. Israel also strikes parts of Lebanon and Syria in retaliation for bombardments originating from these countries. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.