Russia says to pave way for early truce in Gaza

MOSCOW-- Moscow is making efforts to help pave the way for a diplomatic solution and an early ceasefire in Gaza, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

"We are undertaking intensive efforts to de-escalate the conflict, to achieve an early ceasefire," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remain in constant contact with officials from the region, said Zakharova.

"A single message is being conveyed to all sides on the urgent need for a ceasefire," she said.

Zakharova also recalled that Russia's draft resolution on a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza had previously been rejected by the United States and its allies at the United Nations Security Council.

"We were truly shocked to hear the statement made by the Israeli Ambassador to Moscow that the evacuation process could take up to two weeks," she said, adding that this logic was unacceptable.

"For us, the issue of rescuing Russian citizens, compatriots, and all those that have contacted us from there, is a priority," she said.