'India Stands Firmly With Israel', PM Modi Tells Benjamin Netanyahu

NEW DELHI: Amid Israel's decisive war against the Hamas militants, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed that India stands firmly with Tel Aviv and assured all possible support to the West Asian nation. Indicating that the Hamas attack was nothing short of terrorism, PM Modi said India ''strongly and unequivocally'' condemns terrorism in all its forms. PM Narendra Modi expressed his support to Israel after receiving a call from his Israeli counterpart who informed him about the current situation in the Jewish country following the deadly attacks by the terrorist group Hamas.

“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 Prime Minister posted on social media platform X.

 

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. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2023

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Saturday denounced in strongest terms after Hamas militants attacked the West Asian country killing several Israeli citizens and injuring hundreds of others. Expressing shock over the brutal attack, PM Modi took to social media platform X and said, "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".

In view of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Indian embassy in Israel issued an advisory that called on Indian citizens to exercise caution and avoid movement in the wake of the attacks. There have been no immediate reports of any Indian casualties in the fighting so far.

Israel Declares War Against Hamas

 

It may be noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a 'war’ after hundreds of Hamas operatives breached the border fence amidst a rocket onslaught on Saturday morning, resulting in the loss of over 900 lives within Israel. In retaliation, Israel has launched a comprehensive campaign of airstrikes and artillery bombardment targeting Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip, resulting in a death toll of at least 687 people within the coastal enclave.

Conversely, Hamas has issued a harrowing threat to execute civilian hostages they have taken from Israeli territories, vowing to act if Israel persists in its airstrikes.

The Israeli military on Tuesday claimed to have found nearly 1,500 Hamas militants' bodies within Israeli territory. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the top spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces, emphasized that the military has successfully reclaimed full control of the Gaza border after Hamas militants detonated sections of the border fence during their attack on Saturday. Hagari confirmed that no terrorists had managed to infiltrate through the fence in the past day, and ongoing scans are being conducted to locate and neutralize any terrorists in hiding.

However, the IDF stated that a small number of terrorists are still concealed within Israeli territory, as reported by The Times of Israel. Sharing updates on the social media platform 'X', the Israel Air Force announced that the IDF had completed the evacuation of settlements near the Gaza Strip fence, excluding those with essential positions and exceptional cases. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the closure of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing, contradicting earlier reports of its temporary opening.

In response to heightened tensions in the disputed region, the Israel Defense Force bolstered its presence along the Lebanon border with tens of thousands of additional troops, according to IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus. The IDF's report revealed that they had conducted extensive operations, involving 35 battalions, four lieutenant generals overseeing different sectors, and the commander of the Gaza Division, to clear the surrounding area.

The violence has resulted in over 1,600 casualties and has garnered international support for Israel while urging an end to the conflict and the protection of civilians.