Putin, Netanyahu discuss Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalation

MOSCOW. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone, the Kremlin's press service said.

"The central issue of the discussion was the crisis situation that has emerged as a result of the sharp escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The Russian president offered his sincere condolences to the families and friends of perished Israelis and emphasized the resolute rejection and condemnation of any actions that entail casualties among the civilian population, including women and children," the press service said.

"Putin informed [Netanyahu] of the steps being taken by Russia to help normalize the situation, avert any further escalation of violence and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip," it said.

"In particular, the Israeli side was briefed on the key points of today's phone conversations with the leaders of Palestine, Egypt, Iran and Syria," the press service said.

"The Russian side's fundamental readiness to continue focused efforts in the interests of ending the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation and achieving a peaceful solution by political and diplomatic methods was confirmed," it said.