Speaking at a meeting with religious leaders of different faiths in the Kremlin on Wednesday, Putin said he had urged other world leaders to help stop the violence in the Middle East.

"Our task today, our main task, is to stop the bloodshed and violence," Putin said, according to a Kremlin transcript.

He said the crisis could have "grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences" not only for the Middle East, but also for other regions.

He accused some unnamed forces of trying to provoke more escalation and to draw more countries and peoples into the conflict.

He said their aim was to "launch a real wave of chaos and mutual hatred not only in the Middle East but also far beyond its borders."

Putin expressed his condolences to the families of Israelis and citizens of other countries who were killed or wounded by Hamas in its attack on Oct. 7.

He reiterated Russia's support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli issue, saying it was the only way to achieve a lasting peace.

He also criticized Israel's airstrikes on Gaza, saying they were punishing innocent people for the crimes of others.

"The fight against terrorism cannot be conducted according to the notorious principle of collective responsibility when old people, women, children, entire families and hundreds of thousands of people are left without shelter, food, water, electricity and medical care," Putin said. (ILKHA)