OREANDA-NEWS. On January 11, a telephone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Ahmed Aboul Gheit took place at the latter’s initiative. The main topic was the situation in Gaza Strip.

The interlocutor informed Lavrov in detail about the contacts being pursued by Egypt with the representatives of Israel and Hamas. He also gave a high appraisal of Russia and its representatives’ actions, internationally and regionally, in the interests of ending the bloodshed in the Strip as soon as possible.

Lavrov pointed out the pressing need for a ceasefire on the basis of compliance by the sides with UN Security Council resolution 1860, and expressed his profound concern over the continuation in the Strip of the military confrontation, the growing number of casualties on both sides and the dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

The Russian minister welcomed Cairo’s efforts aimed at halting hostilities and achieving a long-term political resolution of the situation in Gaza. He stressed that Russia is ready to continue active efforts in this context, including in the UNSC and within the Middle East Quartet of international mediators.