PM Modi, while expressing condolences and sympathy for those killed and wounded in the Hamas attacks in Israel, said that people of India stand in solidarity with Israel in this difficult hour.
At the same time, PM Modi highlighted the issue of the safety and security of Indian citizens in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu assured of full cooperation and support. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
The toll in the Israel-Hamas clash has surpassed 1,600 in four days, with more than 900 casualties reported in Israel and over 600 in the Gaza Strip. The conflict escalated following a surprise rocket barrage fired by Hamas into Israel on Saturday. Responding to the aggression, Israel initiated Operation 'Iron Swords' targeting the militant group, with a vow to reduce Hamas-controlled areas in Gaza to "rubble".
On Tuesday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson confirmed the loss of 123 soldiers in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, I24News reported that 50 families had been notified that a relative was taken captive by Hamas.
In response to the intensifying situation, United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk issued a statement addressing the Gaza siege. According to AFP, Türk stated, "The imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international humanitarian law."
In the wake of the escalating conflict, Israel's Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, has called for the immediate establishment of a "national emergency government." Levin emphasized his ongoing efforts over the past few days to achieve this goal, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Meanwhile, a day after Hamas militants issued a chilling threat to execute civilian captives should Israel strike Gaza without warning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded on Tuesday, with a spokesperson affirming that the killing of hostages "will not make things better". The warning from the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, came following what they allege are indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes on civilian areas in the Gaza Strip.
In an audio statement reported by the Associated Press, Qassam Brigades' spokesperson Abu Obeida conveyed the ominous message, asserting that the decision to execute Israeli hostages was a direct response to the continuous aerial bombardments by the Israeli military in residential zones.
"We have decided to put an end to this, and as of now, we declare that any targeting of our people in their homes without prior warning will be regrettably faced with the execution of one of the hostages we are holding," Obeida was quoted.
In response, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, as reported by CNN, stated, "If they harm one of these grandmothers or one of these babies or one of these children, it will not make things better, and they know it."
Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said: "We will defeat terror. We have no other choice. We demand Hamas not to harm any of the hostages. Their safety is their responsibility. This war crime will not be forgiven," Cohen stated.
Authorities in Israel estimate that Hamas militants are holding a total of 150 captives in Gaza, including women and children. Hamas, in turn, claims to be holding over 100 hostages, including high-ranking Israeli army officers.
