Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s condemnation of all forms of terrorism to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, as well as stressing the importance of securing the safe release of all hostages in the Gaza Strip.
In a post on social media, the Prime Minister stated that he informed the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about the importance of preventing further escalation of tensions in the West Asia region and expressed backing for initiatives to achieve peace quickly.
Tensions have risen in West Asia due to Israel’s recent heavy air strikes in Lebanon against the “Axis of Resistance”, a network of Iran-backed militant groups in the region, also present in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. Friday’s Israeli attack in Beirut resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who had been supported by the Islamic Republic with weapons and funding for a long time. Lebanese officials report that the airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals and the displacement of thousands.
Hezbollah initiated limited cross-border attacks on Israeli soldiers shortly after Hamas launched its historical strike on Israel.
Had a conversation with Prime Minister @netanyahu regarding the latest events in West Asia. Terrorism should not exist in our world. Preventing regional escalation and ensuring the safe release of all hostages is of utmost importance. After talking with the Israeli counterpart, PM Modi tweeted that India is dedicated to helping achieve peace and stability soon.
PM Modi emphasized once again that terrorism is not acceptable in ‘our world’ and called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and Palestinian Jihad around a year ago during the October 7 attack that sparked the Gaza conflict, resulting in 1,205 deaths on the Israeli side, mainly civilians, based on official figures.
At the Palestinian side’s request, PM Modi recently had a meeting with Palestinian President and Fatah’s leader Mahmoud Abbas at a United Nations event in New York. During the meeting, he promised India’s consistent backing for the people of Palestine and talked about India’s support for Palestine at the United Nations, as per the government’s official statement on the meeting.
Of the 251 individuals who were kidnapped on that day, 97 are currently being detained in the Gaza Strip, with 33 of them reportedly deceased according to the Israeli military.
The Prime Minister showed strong worry about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the worsening security conditions in the region, and reiterated India’s steadfast support for the people of Palestine, including ongoing humanitarian aid.
According to data from the health ministry in Gaza, at least 41,534 individuals, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military operation. Most of the 2.4 million people in Gaza have been forced to relocate due to the ongoing war.
It was highlighted by Mr. Modi that peace would only be achieved through a two-State solution, as he urged for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, the hostages’ release, and a return to diplomacy and dialogue,” according to the readout.
India is engaging in efforts to establish itself as a mediator for peace amid escalating global conflicts. India has also extended its backing for initiatives to bring back tranquility in Ukraine and PM Modi has discussed with the Ukrainian and Russian Presidents individually, urging them to settle matters through diplomacy rather than military action.