India wants independent Palestine living at peace with Israel, says MEA

India declared on Thursday that it considers the Hamas attack on Israel to be “a terrorist attack” and that it has always favoured the restarting of direct discussions to create a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine that coexists peacefully with Israel.

Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, responded to inquiries during the weekly media briefing about the circumstances surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict by stating that everyone has a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law and that terrorism must be eradicated.

“Designation of terrorist organisation under Indian law is a legal matter. I would refer you to relevant authorities. I think we have been very clear that we see this as a terrorist attack. On designation part (concerned) authorities are best placed to respond to it,” Bagchi said answering queries about Hamas’ attack on Israel.

The spokesperson said India’s position concerning the Palestine issue has been “longstanding and consistent”.
“India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side by side at peace with Israel. That position remains the same,” he said.

In response to inquiries regarding the circumstance, Bagchi stated that everyone has a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law.

Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, responded to inquiries during the weekly media briefing about the circumstances surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict by stating that everyone has a responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law and that terrorism must be eradicated.

“There is also global responsibility to fight the menace of terrorism in all its manifestations,” he said.
The death toll in Israel since the Hamas attack has jumped to 1,300 and some 3300 have been injured, including 28 in critical condition and 350 in serious condition, The Times of Israel reported.

According to the report, it is still unknown what became of the 150 persons who were reportedly kidnapped and transferred to the Gaza Strip after the Hamas attack.

According to CNN, more than 1300 people have died and 5,000 more have been hurt in Gaza as a result of Israel’s fierce reprisal against a “surprise attack” by Hamas.

It claimed that the strikes in Gaza had resulted in the deaths of 950 Palestinians and the injuries of 5,000 more.
‘Operation Ajay’ was started by India on Wednesday to rescue its people who were caught up in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X.

The first batch of Indian citizens who had registered for the special flight on Thursday had been emailed, according to the Indian Embassy in Israel.

“The Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight tomorrow. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” Indian Embassy posted on X.

(With agency inputs)