The situation in the Gaza Strip was discussed during a meeting between the Russian president's special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, and Egypt's ambassador to Moscow, Nazih el-Nagari.
"During the conversation, the main attention was paid to the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone. Both sides reiterated the need to intensify international efforts for an early ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of sustainable humanitarian aid to the population of the enclave," the ministry said.
The ministry added, "It was noted that the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the basis of a two-state formula in accordance with the universally recognized international legal basis for the settlement is the only way to achieve lasting peace."
The statement also noted that during the meeting, the sides "stressed the unacceptability of the Israeli military operation in the densely populated Palestinian city of Rafah, located in the south of the Gaza Strip."