INDIA: India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, discussed the “crisis” in West Asia with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE, marking the first India-Arab outreach following the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas militants. The conversation took place via telephone while Jaishankar was currently on a visit to Sri Lanka.
Hamas militants from Gaza have launched several strikes against Israel, resulting in around 2,150 deaths. Israeli authorities report 155 troops among the 1,200 fatalities, while the Palestinian side reports 950 deaths in Gaza. The UAE’s foreign ministry appealed for moderation and an immediate ceasefire in a statement on October 7.
The escalation of hostilities between Israel and Palestine has raised global concerns, with Germany, the US, France, and the UK highlighting the need to prevent further worsening.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned terrorism and expressed condolences for those killed and wounded in the attacks.
PM Modi wrote, “I thank Prime Minister @netanyahu for his phone call and providing an update on the ongoing situation. People of India stand firmly with Israel in this difficult hour. India strongly and unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not commented on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine but has stated its commitment to restarting direct negotiations for a two-state solution.
The MEA has also announced the establishment of a 24-hour control room in Delhi and separate emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to monitor the situation and inform Indian citizens. There are about 18,000 Indian nationals living in Israel, and as of yet, there have been no casualties among them.
The MEA added that it has established a 24-hour control room to monitor the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine. The Indian embassy in Israel issued a warning, advising Indian nationals to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as advised by local authorities due to the country’s current political climate.
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