As the
Israel-Hamas conflict continues, Bharat urged both sides to eschew violence,
de-escalate the situation, and create conditions for an early resumption of
direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.
Without naming
Hamas, India also called for “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages.
Israel has been
carrying out a massive military offensive in Gaza following the unprecedented
and multi-pronged attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas operatives on October 7.
Hamas killed
around 1,400 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220. Around 10,500 people
have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run
authorities in Gaza.
At his weekly
media briefing, Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam
Bagchi said Bharat has made its position clear on the Hamas-Israel conflict on
multiple occasions including during the UN General Assembly debate on October
27.
“We have strongly
condemned the horrific attack on Israel, urged the need for zero tolerance for
terrorism, and called for immediate and unconditional release of hostages,” he
said.
“We have also
conveyed our deep concern at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the increasing
civilian toll and welcomed efforts to de-escalate the situation and provide
humanitarian assistance,” he said.
Bagchi said Bharat
has also sent 38 tonnes of humanitarian relief material and emphasised the need
for strict “observance of international humanitarian law.” The relief materials
were sent to the people of Gaza.
“We have also
urged the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating
conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-State
solution. That captures all aspects of how we look at the very difficult
situation there,” he said.
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi held phone conversations with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and
President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas following escalation of the
conflict.
Asked about
reports that the Israeli construction industry is looking at recruiting 100,000
Indian workers to replace the 90,000 Palestinians, he was not aware of any such
requests from Tel Aviv.
“I am not sure of
any specific conversations or requests. I saw some reports of 100,000 workers
replacing other workers there. I have not heard any of those things. (I am) not
aware of any specific figure or request,” said Bagchi.
In a larger
context, he said India has been working towards giving its citizens access to
the “global work place”.
“In this regard,
we have been in discussion on trying to get into mobility agreements with a
number of countries. Such frameworks and agreements ensure that our people are
treated fairly, their rights are protected and they are not discriminated
against,” said Bagchi.
“In Israel, there
are already a number of Indian workers employed there, especially in the
care-giver sector. Since 2022, we have been discussing a bilateral framework in
the construction and care-giver sectors,” he said.
“But this is a
long-term initiative. But I am not aware of any specific requests or the
numbers that have been floating around,” he said.
PTI
