Escalation of conflict consequence of failed U.S. policy in ME: Putin

The unprecedented escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel is a "large-scale tragedy," and a "direct consequence" of failed U.S. policy in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, reported Xinhua.

"The Americans, with the support of their European satellites, tried to monopolize the Middle East settlement, and they were not concerned with finding compromises that would be acceptable to both sides," Putin said at a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States that is being held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

He noted that the United States blocked the international quartet of Middle East mediators, and attempted to resolve the conflict through economic measures, thereby ignoring an underlying issue, namely "the creation of an independent Palestinian state."

"The main thing right now is to stop the bloodshed," Putin said, adding that collective efforts were urgently needed to achieve an early ceasefire and stabilize the situation.

"Russia is ready to coordinate efforts with all constructively minded partners," Putin said, adding that "there was no alternative to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through negotiations."

"The goal (of the negotiations) should be the implementation of the UN 'two-state' formula, which envisages the creation of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem, coexisting in peace and security with Israel," he said.

Putin noted that Moscow would be willing to act as a mediator, especially as Russia has developed good relations with both sides.

Meanwhile, Russian media reported Friday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov that Russia will continue to remain in contact with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to find a solution to the current conflict between Israel and Palestine, said Xinhua in another report.

"We are in contact with everyone ... we must solve the problem," Bogdanov was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

"It is most important that our efforts ultimately bring the desired results," he said.

Bogdanov noted that alongside the aim of ending violence in the region, Russia will also prioritize the release of all hostages.

The Russian diplomat added that Moscow also remains in contact with the Israeli ambassador to Russia, and the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv is similarly in constant contact with representatives from the Israeli leadership and foreign ministry.