Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed “concern” over the fresh Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip and said Moscow was ready to help “de-escalate” the situation, AFP reports.

In a readout of a phone call between Putin and the Emir of Qatar, the Kremlin said: “Concern was expressed over the resumption of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, and the readiness of both countries to promote de-escalation and long-term normalisation in the region was stressed.”