India Condemns Hamas Attack, Expresses Concern Over Middle East Crisis
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India views Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 as a “terrorist attack” and expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The remarks were made during a discussion at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington on Tuesday.
India’s Stance on the Hamas Attack
Addressing the situation, Jaishankar emphasized that while India understands Israel’s need to respond to the attacks, it also urges all nations to consider international humanitarian law when taking action. “We regard October 7 as a terrorist attack. We understand that Israel needed to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law and that it must be careful about any damage or implications for civilian populations,” he said.
Concerns Over Expanding Conflict
Jaishankar highlighted India’s apprehension about the potential widening of the conflict, particularly in relation to Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the broader Red Sea region. He pointed out the risks of increased hostilities involving Iran and Israel, urging all parties to prioritize diplomatic communication to mitigate tensions.
Support for Humanitarian Efforts
“It is important to have some kind of international humanitarian effort,” Jaishankar added, stressing the need for global cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict. He underlined the importance of effective communication between nations to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of civilians.
Background on the Conflict
The conflict intensified last October when hundreds of Hamas militants breached Israeli borders, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the capture of more than 250 hostages. Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas, which has led to a significant rise in casualties and further instability in the region.
India’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
India has consistently backed a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and has voiced its concerns over the deteriorating situation in Gaza. Jaishankar reiterated India’s position, calling for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian principles to avoid civilian harm and further escalation.
