DUSHANBE — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday voiced support for US President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, describing the plan as a “realistic step toward peace.”

“President Trump has put forward well-known initiatives, and, as you have seen, Russia supported them almost immediately,” Putin said during the Russia–Central Asia Summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

“We very much hope that these initiatives of the US President will be implemented.”

Putin noted that the proposal had been “positively received from the outset, both in the Arab and Islamic worlds,”adding that its implementation would be essential for long-term regional stability.

Reaffirming Moscow’s consistent stance on the Middle East, Putin said, “Russia has always believed that the problems of the Middle East can only be resolved through political and diplomatic means.”

He added that Russia remains ready to “support any peaceful efforts aimed at stopping the bloodshed and bringing calm to the region.”

He emphasized that the “most important, indispensable condition for long-term stabilization” in the region is the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Putin said Russia is closely following developments and coordinating with Middle Eastern partners to help achieve a lasting settlement.

On Sept. 29, Trump unveiled a 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza that includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forcesfrom the enclave.

He announced early Thursday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of the deal.

The plan’s second phase envisions the creation of a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas’ participation, the establishment of a Palestinian-led and Arab-Islamic security force, and the reconstruction of the Strip funded by Arab and Islamic nations, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority. — Agencies