New Delhi: In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Bharat called for an end to violence and the de-escalation of the situation. Bharat emphasized the importance of creating conditions conducive to the prompt resumption of direct peace talks, aimed at achieving a two-state solution for the Palestine issue. Without explicitly naming Hamas, Bharat also demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages.
Israel initiated a substantial military offensive in Gaza after a series of unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on Israeli cities on October 7. The attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 people in Israel, with more than 220 individuals kidnapped by Hamas.
During a weekly media briefing, Arindam Bagchi, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), reiterated Bharat’s stance on the conflict, expressing condemnation for the attacks on Israel, advocating for zero tolerance for terrorism, and calling for the swift release of hostages. Bagchi further highlighted India’s call for both parties to de-escalate tensions, renounce violence, and facilitate conditions for the early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution.
Bharat also dispatched 38 tonnes of humanitarian relief material to Gaza, emphasizing the imperative of strict adherence to international humanitarian law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in phone discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in response to the heightened conflict.
Regarding reports about the Israeli construction industry considering the recruitment of 100,000 Indian workers to replace 90,000 Palestinians, Bagchi stated that he was not aware of any such requests from Tel Aviv.
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