New Delhi, Oct 10, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, saying India "condemns terrorism in all its forms".
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said that he had a phone call with Netanyahu who provided him with 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 post read.
In response to PM Modi’s support, Israel’s Foreign Ministry shared a "Thank you" tweet on X.
Earlier, PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" by the news of "terrorist attacks" in Israel. He added that India stands in "solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour".
The conflict that started on October 7, following Hamas’ unprecedented and surprise attack on Israel, has so far claimed more than 1,600 lives on both sides. At least 900 people have been killed and 2,600 injured in Israel. Meanwhile, according to Gaza Health Ministry, 704 people have been killed, including 143 children and 105 women, and over 4,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes.
Israel said that it gained effective control in the south and “restored full control” over the border.
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu said that Israel did not initiate the war. "We didn’t want this war. It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way," he said, adding that though his country "didn’t start this war, it will finish it".
Courtesy: India Today