Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, engaged in a diplomatic call with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on Monday, and earnestly encouraged India to harness its full potential to curtail Israeli actions in Gaza. In articulating this appeal, President Raisi evoked India’s storied struggles against Western colonialism and underscored its role as a founding member of the non-aligned movement (NAM).
In a statement issued following the conversation, it was conveyed, “Today, India is expected to employ all its considerable capacities to bring an end to the Zionist transgressions against the oppressed populace of Gaza.”
Furthermore, President Raisi extended Tehran’s unwavering support for international collaborative endeavors aimed at swiftly achieving a ceasefire, alleviating the blockade, and offering much-needed assistance to the beleaguered Gazans.
He emphasized, “The continued loss of life among the Palestinian people has ignited outrage among the free nations of the world, and this tragedy is poised to have ramifications beyond the immediate region.”
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Narendra Modi expressed deep consternation at the “acts of terrorism, violence, and the tragic loss of innocent lives” and reaffirmed India’s steadfast stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.
The statement from PMO also underlined that both leaders stressed the necessity of preventing further escalation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid, and expeditiously restoring peace and stability to the region.
Prime Minister Modi has been actively engaging with world leaders in recent weeks to discuss the situation in West Asia amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Last week, he engaged in discussions with the President of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wherein they jointly expressed deep concerns over the escalation of terrorism, deteriorating security conditions, and civilian casualties in the region.
“We concur on the imperative for a prompt resolution to the security and humanitarian crisis and recognize that a sustainable regional peace, security, and stability serves the interests of all,” Modi stated.
The Israeli military launched a military operation against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in response to unexpected attacks by Islamist militants on Israel on October 7, resulting in civilian casualties and the taking of hostages. According to the Gaza health ministry run by Hamas, more than 10,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in Israel’s retaliatory actions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized on Monday that the violation of international humanitarian law, which stipulates the safeguarding of civilians and essential infrastructure, is abundantly clear. He further asserted that “no party engaged in armed conflict is exempt from” adhering to these laws. Guterres urged the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel to Gaza.
