Arab foreign ministers to visit New Delhi this week to discuss Gaza situation, claim reports

Foreign ministers of the Arab world are expected in India this week to discuss humanitarian aid for civilians trapped in Gaza amid the Hamas-Israel war, according to emerging reports.

The Arab world ministers, who will be on their way back from the China leg of their trip that aims to end the military operation in the Gaza region, will hold talks in India in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the way to end the crisis.

The delegation is expected to include Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki.

The primary agenda for the foreign ministers’ visit is to engage in discussions concerning the ongoing crisis in West Asia. They will be holding a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The delegation was earlier in China and is expected to travel to other global capitals as well.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, resulting in the death of 1,200 Israelis as per official figures, Israel has responded with major retaliation, reportedly killing over 13,300 Palestinians in Gaza so far and also cutting off all essential supplies to the besieged enclave.

India has welcomed international efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict and facilitating urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. New Delhi has condemned the October 7 attack, pointing to its policy to oppose terrorism in all its forms but also advocated adherence to international humanitarian law.

India has also called for the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages who are in Hamas custody.

In a display of solidarity, New Delhi has dispatched humanitarian aid to Palestine, delivering 70 tonnes of disaster relief material, including 17 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in two instalments.