JERUSALEM, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first time since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out on Oct. 7, according to his office.
During the phone call, Netanyahu appreciated the Russian effort to release an Israeli-Russian citizen held by Hamas, reaffirming that Israel would use all means to free all hostages from the Gaza Strip.
He also requested that Russia apply pressure on the Red Cross regarding visits and essential medicines for hostages held in Gaza, according to the statement.
Meanwhile, the Israeli prime minister criticized the "positions against Israel that Russia expressed on the international community, including at the United Nations," his office said in a statement.
Russia on Friday voted for a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, which was vetoed by the United States. ■
