India’s unwavering solidarity with Israel remains resolute, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu shared a comprehensive update regarding the ongoing war against Hamas, who unleashed a devastating attack on Israeli soil, marking one of the gravest assaults in recent memory.
PM Modi, in a heartfelt tweet on Tuesday, conveyed his gratitude to Netanyahu for the informative update on the situation.
Prime Minister Modi unequivocally voiced India’s staunch support for Israel, emphasizing their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its grotesque forms and manifestations. India’s resolute stance against terror knows no compromise.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
An official statement elaborating on the telephone conversation between the two leaders was issued later in the evening. Prime Minister Modi extended his deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to those who lost their lives or were injured as a result of the heinous terrorist attacks in Israel.
India, he stressed, stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel in these trying times. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the paramount concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens residing in Israel, to which Prime Minister Netanyahu assured unwavering cooperation and support.
Background
In the backdrop of these distressing events, Hamas, a militant organization governing the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise offensive on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives and the abduction of nearly 150 hostages. Responding to this senseless violence, Prime Minister Modi, in a tweet on Saturday, expressed his profound shock at the ‘terrorist attacks’ and extended New Delhi’s unwavering solidarity to Tel Aviv. He conveyed, “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 response to this unprovoked aggression, Israel’s Prime Minister, Netanyahu, declared a resolute war against Hamas, the entity responsible for indiscriminately firing thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory. Israel’s defence forces swiftly initiated a retaliatory bombardment against Hamas targets in Gaza, resolutely determined to protect their citizens. Israel’s air force, in an official statement, revealed that their fighter jets had diligently targeted numerous terror facilities in the Gaza Strip, dealing a severe blow to these malevolent entities.
In an address on Tuesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s reluctance to engage in this conflict but asserted that they were compelled to respond to the brutal and savage aggression initiated by Hamas. He firmly stated, “But though Israel didn’t start this war, Israel will finish it.”
Based on reports in the public domain Netanyahu pledged that Hamas would come to regret their misguided decision to attack Israel, vowing to exact a price that would be etched into their memory and serve as a stern warning to Israel’s adversaries for decades to come.