Russia called for an end to the fighting in Gaza and said a resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations was essential to avoid the risk of a broader war and an increase in “terrorist activity”, Reuters reports.

Russia has repeatedly accused the United States and the West of ignoring the need for an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders.

“The priority today is the speedy cessation of hostilities in Gaza,” Russia’s foreign ministry said.

“If not, we will face the risks of radicalisation and an increase in terrorist activity and the danger of the conflict expanding its geography,” it said.