NEW DELHI, March 20: India has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Gaza following the resumption of Israeli airstrikes against Hamas, which has shattered a fragile ceasefire established on January 19.
In response to the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement calling for the immediate release of hostages and urging the international community to provide sustained humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. The MEA stressed, “We are concerned at the situation in Gaza. It is important that all hostages are released,” and further emphasized the need for continuous humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the civilian populatio
The resumption of Israeli military action comes after the failure to advance the second phase of a three-stage ceasefire agreement brokered in January. While the initial truce temporarily halted hostilities, disagreements over the terms of the second phase of the agreement prevented further negotiations, leading to the current escalation. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, the latest Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 400 fatalities, adding to the growing death toll since the conflict began.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision to resume military operations, explaining that Israel had refrained from initiating any military action in the past two weeks in the hope that Hamas would change its course. However, Netanyahu stated that Hamas had rejected peace offers, including one from U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and that Israel could not wait any longer for Hamas to change its stance. “This is why I authorised yesterday the renewal of military action against Hamas,” Netanyahu said, underscoring Israel’s determination to achieve its “vital goals.”
India has consistently supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. The current escalation has drawn international concern, with many countries urging both sides to show restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further casualties and destruction in the region.
