In the midst of the offensive against the terror group Hamas in Gaza, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, on Saturday (November 4), reaffirming India’s commitment to “counter-terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law, and a two-state solution.”
“Spoke this afternoon with FM Eli Choen of Israel. Appreciate his sharing the Israeli assessment of the current situation. Reiterated our firm commitment to countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law, and for a two-state solution,” Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X.
Spoke this afternoon with FM @elicoh1 of Israel.
Appreciated his sharing the Israeli assessment of the current situation.
Reiterated our firm commitment to countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and for a two state solution.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 4, 2023
According to a PTI report, the conversation focused on the current situation in Gaza and the importance of finding a solution that ensures regional stability and peace. Reiterating India’s firm stance against terrorism, Jaishankar emphasised the country’s unwavering commitment to combating the threat. He also emphasised the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law in order to protect civilian lives in conflict zones.
During the conversation, he expressed India’s unwavering support for a two-state solution to the decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict, as reported by PTI.
Earlier, on Friday, at the Joint Secretary Session of the Senate’s External Affairs and Defence Commission in Rome, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of addressing Palestinian issues and resolving the conflict through dialogue and negotiation rather than conflict and terrorism.
While terrorism is “unacceptable,” he believes the Palestine issue must be resolved. In his remarks to the session, Jaishankar stated, “What happened on October 7 was a major act of terrorism, as were the subsequent acts,” PTI reported.
This has shifted the entire region in a new direction. But it must be everyone’s hope that “eventually…the conflict will not be the norm in the region and that it will return to some stability, some cooperation,” he was quoted as saying by PTI. The EAM reiterated New Delhi’s position on a ‘two-state’ solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, noting that a balance must be struck on various issues.
“India has always advocated for the resumption of direct negotiations aimed at establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living within secure and recognised borders alongside Israel in peace.” In light of the October 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “That position remains unchanged.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn the terror attacks and express support for Israel. Over 2,000 Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel by land, sea, and air on October 7, unleashing horrific coordinated attacks that killed over 1,400 people. They also kidnapped over 200 people. As a result, Israel launched a fierce counter-offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza.
According to media reports Since the October 7 attacks, Israel’s air and ground offensive in Gaza has killed at least 9,488 Palestinians.
According to reports, the region is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, and rights groups have urged more aid than is currently reaching civilians there.