Iranian President Raisi urged India to use its capacities to end Israeli actions in Gaza, expressing support for global efforts towards ceasefire.
During a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized India’s historical struggles against Western colonialism and its role as a founding member of the non-aligned movement (NAM). He stated that India is expected to use all its capacities to end the actions in Gaza against the oppressed people.
Raisi also expressed Tehran’s support for collaborative global efforts aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire, ending the blockade, and providing assistance to Gazans. He emphasized that the continued killing of the Palestinian people has raised concerns globally and could have consequences beyond the region.
Prime Minister Modi, in response, expressed deep concern about the terrorist incidents, violence, and loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India’s longstanding position on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing the need to prevent escalation, ensure continued humanitarian aid, and work towards early restoration of peace and stability.
Prime Minister Modi has been engaging with world leaders to discuss the situation in West Asia amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. He recently discussed the crisis with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing their shared concerns over terrorism, security challenges, and civilian casualties in the region. Both leaders emphasized the importance of early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation for regional peace, security, and stability.
The Israeli military initiated an offensive on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip following the October 7 attacks on Israel by Islamist militants. This led to civilian casualties and hostage-taking. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 10,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in retaliatory attacks by Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure, is being violated. He stressed that no party to an armed conflict is above these laws and called for the immediate unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas from Israel to Gaza.
