Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has held his first phone talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October.

In their 20-minute conversation on Wednesday, Kishida told Netanyahu that he strongly condemns the terrorist acts by Hamas. But he also called on Israel to respect international law, for civilian casualties to be kept to a minimum and for the fighting to be deescalated.

Kishida expressed support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi insurgents in Yemen. Houthi militia members seized a British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship in those waters on November 19.

While Netanyahu expressed concern about the attacks, Kishida strongly criticized them, pointing out they obstruct safe navigation.

The two agreed to maintain close cooperation in their response to the situation in the Middle East, including the Gaza Strip.