In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India held a conversation with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. This interaction took place as various Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have been engaging with Israel in an effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences to President Abbas for the tragic incident at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. In a tweet posted on a popular microblogging platform, PM Modi stated that New Delhi would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
In his tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, “Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people.”
Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. Shared our deep concern at the terrorism,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2023
Additionally, PM Modi expressed deep concern about the terrorism, violence, and deteriorating security situation in the region. He reiterated India’s longstanding principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing India’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Al Ahli Hospital incident, in which approximately 500 people lost their lives, drew widespread international condemnation. Palestinian authorities attributed the explosion to Israeli airstrikes, while Israel claimed it was caused by a misfired rocket launched from Gaza by the militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In response to the ongoing conflict, India called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and expressed concerns about the civilian casualties. Arindam Bagchi, the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, emphasized the need for the international community to unite in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He referred to a multi-pronged attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on October 7 and highlighted the importance of collective efforts against terrorism.
Furthermore, Bagchi noted that the Indian government had undertaken ‘Operation Ajay’ to facilitate the safe return of its citizens and 18 Nepali nationals from Tel Aviv. Five flights were organized as part of this operation, and the government continues to monitor the situation and make decisions regarding the return of more individuals as needed.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been a source of concern for the international community, with efforts to bring about a ceasefire and promote negotiations for a lasting resolution. India’s role in providing humanitarian assistance and engaging with Palestinian authorities reflects its commitment to addressing the humanitarian aspects of the conflict and supporting a peaceful and just solution. As the situation in the region continues to evolve, diplomatic efforts and expressions of concern from world leaders remain crucial in addressing the complex challenges and conflicts in the Middle East.