Russian, Egyptian FMs discuss Gaza

MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry spoke on the phone on Thursday and discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"The conversation focused on the situation in the Gaza Strip. It was stated that any violent actions against civilians and strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure facilities are unacceptable. The general position in favor of immediately establishing a lasting ceasefire, establishing lasting humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, urgent assistance to everyone in need and releasing hostages was reaffirmed," the ministry said following the conversation.

"The Russian side emphasized the urgent need for promptly organizing evacuation from this Palestinian enclave of Russian citizens located there with assistance from Egyptian partners," it said.