India has expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Gaza following the resumption of Israeli airstrikes and has called for the release of all hostages and the sustained supply of humanitarian aid. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a brief statement on Wednesday, saying, “We are concerned at the situation in Gaza.”
The MEA further stressed the importance of releasing all hostages and ensuring that humanitarian assistance continues to reach the people of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to implement the second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Since Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 430 Palestinians, including 183 children. Israel justified its renewed strikes by citing a lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, which had lasted for nearly two months. Netanyahu described the offensive as “only the beginning” and stated that future negotiations would take place “under fire.”
Hamas, which initiated the conflict with its October 2023 attacks on Israel, has maintained that it is open to negotiations despite the renewed Israeli offensive but insists that no new ceasefire agreement is needed.
Gaza’s government media office has updated the death toll to over 61,700, with thousands of Palestinians still missing under the rubble. Hamas’ attacks on Israel had earlier claimed around 1,100 lives. The previous ceasefire, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, was based on Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people protested in Jerusalem on Wednesday against the resumption of attacks on Gaza and Netanyahu’s efforts to remove Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency. Tensions between Netanyahu and Shin Bet have escalated following an internal investigation into Hamas’ attacks.
India has consistently advocated for diplomatic dialogue and a two-state solution while condemning all forms of terrorism. The country has also reiterated its call for sustained humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
