The Russian Security Council affirmed that stopping the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and establishing an independent Palestinian state will be the key to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to WAFA news agency.

Secretary of the Council, Sergei Shoigu, said during a press conference: "Russia is convinced that the key to improving the situation in the conflict zone lies in stopping the bloodshed and creating conditions for a political and diplomatic settlement based on international law."

Shoigu added, "The main point is that the historical injustice must be corrected, and an independent Palestinian state must be established. This is the only way to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East."