Putin, Netanyahu Review Gaza Truce Efforts, Iran Nuclear Concerns in Fresh Call

Putin, Netanyahu Hold Second Call in Two Months to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire, Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday to review the situation in West Asia, including the Gaza ceasefire and the exchange of detainees, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. They also discussed Iran’s nuclear programme and efforts to stabilise Syria.

This marks their first direct conversation since October, when they discussed former US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan. The plan proposes a ceasefire, staged Israeli withdrawal, release of hostages, demilitarisation of Gaza, long-term reconstruction, and the creation of an international “Board of Peace” to oversee the territory.

Israel has publicly endorsed the plan, while Hamas has not fully accepted it. China, Russia, and some Arab nations have reportedly opposed the inclusion of the “Board of Peace” in the UN resolution, citing governance concerns and the lack of a role for the Palestinian Authority.

The call, reportedly initiated by Putin, is part of ongoing communications between the two leaders on regional developments.