Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed by phone the escalating situation in East Jerusalem, the leaders expressed serious concern about the clashes and the growing number of people killed, the Kremlin press service reported.
"A substantive exchange of views was held in connection with the escalating situation in East Jerusalem. Serious concern was expressed over the ongoing clashes, the increase in the number of people killed and wounded. Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the sides to de-escalate tensions and peacefully resolve emerging issues," the report said.
"The principled position of Russia and Turkey in support of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of generally recognized international legal norms, as well as the special role of the "quartet" of international mediators (Russia, EU, UN, US) in facilitating the negotiation process," the statement said.
The situation on the border between Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip escalated sharply Monday night. Palestinian groups fired more than 600 rockets into Israel from Gaza, with Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepting 200 of them. Israel launched strikes against the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army said Wednesday that five Israelis were killed and more than 200 were wounded in the rocket attacks. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Wednesday that there were 43 victims of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and nearly 300 wounded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti