Lavrov called on Israel and Palestine to negotiate to resolve the conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held telephone conversations with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts Eli Cohen and Riyad al-Maliki, reported in the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict, which resulted in the death and injury of civilians. Moscow stressed that “a new round of violence” is fraught with “the resumption of a full-scale armed confrontation, which could lead to new casualties and destruction.” The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry called on the parties to refrain from actions that could lead to a deterioration in the situation.

“A frank and interested exchange of views took place on the prospects for the development of the situation in the Middle East region with an emphasis on the problems of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement,” the press service of the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov also announced the need to resume negotiations with the participation of international mediators. In conclusion, the ministers discussed issues on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their readiness to develop cooperation between the countries.

Last week, the Israeli police reported two terrorist attacks that took place in Jerusalem. On January 27, in the Neve Yaakov area in the north of the city, a synagogue was attacked with shooting. The police reported that several people were injured, and the attacker was neutralized. The perpetrator opened fire on people near the synagogue and passers-by: according to the Times of Israel, seven people were killed and at least three more were injured. On January 28, in the City of David in Jerusalem, as a result of the shooting, injured two people: Magen David Adom emergency service volunteers.