Gaza violence: India calls for restraint

On the fifth day of continuous Israeli shelling, India has asked both Israel and Palestine to exercise “maximum restraint”, expressing deep concern over the “steep escalation” of violence in Gaza.

“We are deeply concerned over the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, focused around Gaza, that threatens the peace and security of that region,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

On Wednesday, Israel started intensive air strikes on Gaza, killing a Hamas military commander. Since then, Palestine authorities claim that 50 people have been killed in the Israeli air raids, including 14 children.

In the last five days, over 500 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel, killing three persons. The Hamas rockets have even targeted Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The situation had to “de-escalated urgently as the region is already undergoing turmoil,” he said.

“We urge both the sides to avoid taking any action that may further exacerbate the situation,” he said. Further, he mentioned that the UN Security Council under India’s presidency had sent a “strong message” to stop the violence immediately on November 14. “It is also necessary that direct talks begin without any further delay between Israel and Palestine leading to a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian situation,” he added.