Russia's ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov said his country is holding talks with Israel, the "Peace Council" and a number of other countries to establish a Russian hospital in the Gaza Strip. This was reported by the Kremlin mouthpiece RIA Novosti, based on an interview Viktorov gave to RT network. Viktorov claimed the idea was first raised about two years ago and has now resurfaced: "I confirm that in principle we are ready to deploy the medical facility as quickly as possible - with Russian equipment and Russian staff." He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to establish the hospital during a recent meeting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen.