Putin, Netanyahu hold phone talks over Gaza, Iran's nuke program

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Saturday to discuss a range of Middle East issues, including the Gaza ceasefire, Iran’s nuclear program, and efforts to stabilize Syria, the Kremlin said.

According to a statement from the Kremlin, the two leaders “exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, covering the Gaza Strip, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchanges..”

They also tackled the “status of Iran’s nuclear programme, and measures to promote further stabilisation in Syria.”

The call comes after indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed on October 6, with Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Turkey acting as mediators.

On October 9, the parties signed an agreement to implement the first phase of a peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump. The Gaza ceasefire entered into force on October 10.

Iran’s nuclear ambitions were also discussed, with Russia reiterating that any resolution should be achieved through diplomacy.

Israel continues to view Iran’s nuclear program as a significant security concern.—MCG, GMA Integrated News