Moscow, Russia, October 7(HS): On Monday, as the war in Israel entered its 732nd day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a pivotal phone call, underscoring urgent diplomatic activity amid the region’s ongoing turmoil. The leaders’ dialogue centered on US President Donald Trump’s latest plan to bring an end to hostilities in Gaza, reflecting high-level attention to emerging peace proposals during a period of longstanding conflict.

Beyond the Gaza ceasefire blueprint, Putin and Netanyahu expressed mutual interest in advancing negotiated solutions to the Iranian nuclear program and stabilizing the fragile situation in Syria. Their discussion, disclosed by Kremlin sources, alluded to intensified efforts for security and dialogue across the Middle East, even as ground realities remain volatile.

The day’s headlines illustrated the region’s tension; climate activist Greta Thunberg was among flotilla activists intercepted by Israeli authorities after attempting to break the Gaza blockade, while new reports from mediators suggested Hamas leadership’s outright rejection of Trump’s peace plan.

US President Trump, meanwhile, delivered a stark warning, predicting “complete obliteration” for Hamas should the militant group hold fast to its grip on Gaza.

As diplomatic exchanges multiply and regional actors recalibrate, the international community watches closely, seeking signs that dialogue may yet prevail over confrontation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar