Russian, Saudi foreign ministers discuss situation in Middle East

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed on Tuesday the situation in the Middle East with his Saudi counterpart Faysal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The two diplomats also spoke about the cooperation within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) format.

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Oct. 7 surprise offensive by Hamas.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including 8,306 Palestinians, and 1,538 Israelis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire, saying it will be a "surrender" to Hamas and that "this is a time for war."