Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday backed Israel and said it has the right to self-defence in the face of Hamas’ terrorist attacks but called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital for durable peace. “Russia believes that the conflict can only be resolved through negotiations aiming to create an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel has been subjected to an attack of unprecedented brutality and of course has the right to defend itself. Nevertheless, the conflict must be resolved by peaceful means,” Vladimir Putin said. “Israel has the right...