In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Indian leadership and its citizens for standing in solidarity with Israel against the “jihadist barbaric Islamists.”
“We share the same values; we cherish life and goodness. We believe in human values,” Chikli expressed while speaking to the news agency ANI. He further extended his gratitude, stating, “I want to thank the leadership of India and the people of India for being with us shoulder-to-shoulder in this fight. This is not just our war; it is your war too, and with your support, we will prevail together.”
The conflict erupted on October 7 when Israel declared war against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. The conflict was triggered by Hamas-affiliated fighters’ raids on various settlements and military posts in southern Israel. Tragically, the Hamas attack led to the loss of around 1,200 lives, including both soldiers and civilians. In response, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched an offensive that resulted in an estimated 2,300 casualties, with over 1,400 civilians among the victims, according to UN figures.
Notably, Israel has received support for its “right to self-defense” from several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, various human rights groups have accused Israel of violating international laws through its extensive bombardments in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on October 10, expressed his gratitude for a phone call from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, who provided an update on the situation. PM Modi’s tweet underlined India’s unwavering support: “People of India stand firmly with Israel in this difficult hour. India strongly and unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Nevertheless, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on October 12, reiterating India’s consistent stance on the need for a “sovereign, independent, viable State of Palestine.” The statement reaffirmed India’s long-standing policy, advocating for direct negotiations to establish a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine that coexists peacefully with Israel within secure and recognized borders.
The conflict in Gaza continues to be a contentious and complex issue, with divergent international reactions and a longstanding struggle for a peaceful resolution.
