Concerned about Gaza situation, free hostages, let in aid, says India

Continuing its strikes on Wednesday, Israel launched ground operations in northern Gaza to retake part of a corridor that bisects the territory.

In a 33-word statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: “We are concerned at the situation in Gaza. It is important that all hostages are released. We also call for the supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza to be sustained.”

Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, including 24 who are believed to be alive.

This is one of the most mildly-worded statements by India in the last year-and-half since the war in Gaza began. Israel’s military operations have killed more than 46,000 people including Hamas fighters and civilians, including women and children. The offensive was triggered by the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 Israeli civilians, including women and children, and military personnel.

In September last year, empathising with the people of Gaza, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had told the ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that the situation in the territory is the “foremost concern”. He had said that India was “deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians”.

Jaishankar had also said that “any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law” — an oblique reference to the Israeli offensive targeting civilians in the Hamas-controlled territory.

“The current situation in Gaza is now understandably our foremost concern. India’s position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing death of innocent civilians. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We support a ceasefire as soon as possible,” Jaishankar had said.

This was important since India had initially backed Israel as a victim of terrorist acts by Hamas, and later nuanced its position by talking about the plight of the Palestinians. But this statement in September last year was a clearer articulation of New Delhi’s concerns about Gazans.

But now that India has not said a word of condemnation in its latest statement, it has once again pushed the needle back.

Israel pounded Hamas targets in Gaza on Tuesday, effectively shattering the ceasefire that came into effect on January 19. Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least 436 people, including 183 children and 94 women, were killed.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of strikes Tuesday was “only the beginning” and Israel would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims — destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militant group.