PM Modi emphasises need to de-escalate West Asia tension through dialogue in phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu
New Delhi/IBNS: In a phone call with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in West Asia through "dialogue and diplomacy".
The conflict in West Asia began on October 7 when the fighters of the Palestinian group Hamas rampaged into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and seizing around 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.
Israel's military campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Israel has claimed to have eliminated 17,000 Hamas fighters.
PM Modi also reiterated the call for the immediate release of all hostages and continued humanitarian assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the phone call said, "The two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia".
The two leaders also discussed various aspects of the bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, the MEA said, adding, the two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
"Appreciate PM@netanyahu’s phone call and warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day. We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Emphasized on the need to de-escalate the situation. Reiterated our call for immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire and need for continued humanitarian assistance," PM Modi wrote on X.
Appreciate PM @netanyahu’s phone call and warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day. We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Emphasized on the need to de-escalate the situation. Reiterated our call for immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire and need for…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha were paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week seeking an agreement to end fighting between Israel and Hamas and free remaining hostages.
The latest round in months of on-off talks to end the war in Gaza began between Israel and mediators on Thursday. Hamas was not directly involved in the talks but was kept briefed on progress.
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