India stands firmly with Israel and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation on Tuesday. Netanyahu briefed Modi on the situation in Israel.
In the meantime, Palestine has called upon India to mediate in order to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Adnan Abu Alhaija, the envoy to New Delhi, highlighted India’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian cause, tracing it back to the time of Mahatma Gandhi. He emphasised that India, being a friend to both Israel and Palestine, holds a crucial role in helping to resolve this crisis.
Reaffirming India’s support to Israel, Modi said in a social media message, “I thank Prime Minister Benjamin 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.”
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Prime Minister Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for updating him on the ongoing situation in his country.
Modi posted on X: “I thank Prime Minister Benjamin 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.”
He also highlighted the issue of safety and security of Indian citizens in Israel. Netanyahu assured him of full cooperation and support.
There are some 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, including about 900 Indian students. Many of the Indians primarily work as caregivers for elders, diamond traders and IT professionals.
The call between Modi and his Israeli counterpart comes at a time when the US, the UK, Germany and France have issued a joint statement expressing their “steadfast support” for Israel and unequivocally condemning Hamas and its acts of terrorism.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the US, the UK, France, Germany and Italy called Hamas’ actions appalling and warned against any country trying to take advantage of the current crisis in Israel.
“We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism. In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages,” the statement said.
“Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities. We further emphasise that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage,” it added.
Modi on Saturday had expressed solidarity with Israel after Hamas militants launched an attack on the country.
Modi condemned it as “terrorist attacks” in Israel.
The Indian embassy in Israel has asked its nationals living in the country to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.”
“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” Modi said.
Israel’s ambassador to India Naor Gilon had said “Israel will repel this combined assault of rocket fire and ground infiltration of Hamas terrorists…” adding “We appreciate the support of the people of India as we stand firm in the face of terrorism.”
