PM Modi speaks to Israel’s Netanyahu on early restoration of peace amid Hamas war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

He said he “had a productive exchange of views with the Israeli Prime Minister” and that he highlighted “India’s stand in favour of early restoration of peace.” According to the Prime Minister, the duo also discussed about “shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “Had a productive exchange of views with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic. Highlighted India’s consistent stand in favour of early restoration of peace & stability in the region with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected.”

Israel has been facing mounting global pressure, even from the US – the country’s closest ally – for a Gaza ceasefire. Last week, US President Joe Biden said that though Israel currently has the support of most of the world, it is “starting to lose” it. However, Netanyahu has dismissed calls for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, and has vowed to eliminate Hamas from the Palestinian enclave.

Israel has been criticised worldwide for the death toll from its air and artillery bombardment of Gaza in the war that began in October when the Palestinian group Hamas rampaged through Israeli towns, killing 1,200 people and abducting 240 others.

Palestinian health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza say nearly 20,000 people have been confirmed dead, mostly from the bombardment, and that many thousands more bodies likely lie uncounted under the rubble.

Israel has said it tries to avoid civilian casualties with its bombing and has accused Hamas of hiding among ordinary Gazans, including at school shelters and hospitals, leading to more civilian deaths. Hamas has denied this.