NEW DELHI: India’s delicate balancing act on the Gaza conflict saw PM Narendra Modi on Thursday speaking to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and expressing condolences over the loss of civilian lives in the Gaza hospital bombing, which has outraged the world, while also announcing India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
Modi had last week expressed solidarity with Israel in a phone conversation with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned the October 7 Hamas terror attacks that flared up into the present situation. Following the deadly hospital blast that reportedly left hundreds dead, the Prime Minister had for the first time on Wednesday expressed concern at mounting civilian casualties.
In his conversation with Abbas, Modi said he shared India’s deep concern at “the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region”.
Modi also reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue of support to efforts for establishing a sovereign, independent and viable Palestine State, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side at peace with Israel.
Like the US, India has so far not called for a ceasefire but the government realises many of its Arab partners are deeply concerned about the impact of Israel’s retaliatory action against Hamas on civilians in Gaza. While the US has absolved Israel of any blame for the hospital blast, its Arab allies have strongly condemned Israel for what they see as the deadliest air strike by the country since 2008.
Earlier in the day, the ministry of external affairs reiterated India’s call for strict adherence to international humanitarian law that is applicable to conflicts and seeks protection of civilians and unimpeded passage for humanitarian aid.
“We have strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack on Israel. The international community must stand together in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. “On the Palestine issue, we have reiterated our position in favour of direct negotiations for a two-state solution. We have also expressed our concern at the civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. We would urge strict observance of international humanitarian law,” Bagchi added.
Modi had last week expressed solidarity with Israel in a phone conversation with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned the October 7 Hamas terror attacks that flared up into the present situation. Following the deadly hospital blast that reportedly left hundreds dead, the Prime Minister had for the first time on Wednesday expressed concern at mounting civilian casualties.
In his conversation with Abbas, Modi said he shared India’s deep concern at “the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region”.
Modi also reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue of support to efforts for establishing a sovereign, independent and viable Palestine State, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side at peace with Israel.
Like the US, India has so far not called for a ceasefire but the government realises many of its Arab partners are deeply concerned about the impact of Israel’s retaliatory action against Hamas on civilians in Gaza. While the US has absolved Israel of any blame for the hospital blast, its Arab allies have strongly condemned Israel for what they see as the deadliest air strike by the country since 2008.
Earlier in the day, the ministry of external affairs reiterated India’s call for strict adherence to international humanitarian law that is applicable to conflicts and seeks protection of civilians and unimpeded passage for humanitarian aid.
“We have strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack on Israel. The international community must stand together in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. “On the Palestine issue, we have reiterated our position in favour of direct negotiations for a two-state solution. We have also expressed our concern at the civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. We would urge strict observance of international humanitarian law,” Bagchi added.