Special report: Crisis between Israel and Palestine

    MOSCOW, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Palestinian militants on Monday to free an Israeli soldier abducted last month and called on Israel to exercise restraint in its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

    "It is now most important to secure the release of the abducted Israeli soldier, and we are using every channel available for that," Lavrov told a press briefing after talks with his Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni in Moscow, the Interfax news agency reported.

    Palestinian militants kidnapped the 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit on June 25 during a deadly attack on an Israeli army post near the Gaza border, during which two Israeli soldiers were killed and four wounded, sparking the latest crisis between the Israelis and Palestinians.

    In the wake of the attack, Israeli troops entered the Gaza Strip in the largest incursion into the coastal area since Israel pulled out forces and settlers last summer following a 38-year occupation.

    "We are again witnessing an outbreak of violence, and it must be stopped at all costs. That can be done through self-control and wisdom from both sides," Lavrov said.

    The Russian minister called on Palestinian militants to stop bombing Israeli cities, and at the same time called on the Israeli government to exercise maximum restraint.

    Livni said Russia might "play a very important role" in this context and she hoped that Moscow's call for the release of the Israeli soldier would be heeded.

    Earlier on Monday, Palestinian militants set Tuesday as the deadline for Israel to meet their demand for Palestinian prisoners be released from Israeli jails.

    However, Israel rejected the ultimatum, saying Israel would not give in to blackmail.

    Russia is a member of the international Quartet mediating for peace in the Middle East. The group's other members are the UnitedSates, the United Nations and the European Union. Enditem