'Condemn Civilian Killings': PM Modi At G20 Virtual Summit Hails Israel-Hamas Truce On Hostages

Speaking at the virtual G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged death of civilians was condemnable, no matter where it happened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the release of 50 Hamas hostages in Gaza, amid the ongoing ground operations by the Israeli forces. He also acknowledged death of civilians was condemnable, no matter where it happened. PM Modi was speaking at the virtual G20 Summit.

#WATCH | On release of 50 hostages held in Gaza, PM Modi during G20 Virtual Summit says,"...We welcome the news of the release of hostages. We hope all the hostages will be released soon...." pic.twitter.com/TX4i3VYEDD

— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2023

Addressing the virtual meeting that was attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, among others, PM Modi flagged concerns insecurity and instability in West Asia.

“The death of civilians, be it anywhere in the world, is condemnable. Today, we welcome the news of hostages being released and I hope that all remaining hostages are also released as early as possible. The urgent facilitation of humanitarian aid is very important. It is also very crucial to ensure that the war between Israel and Hamas does not escalate into a regional issue,” PM Modi said.

“In this world full of challenges, it is the trust that binds us together. Over the last one year, we have expressed confidence in 'One Earth, One Family and One Future'. Moving away from controversies, we have worked with unity and cooperation,” he added.

Amid concerns over artificial intelligence (AI), PM Modi also called for a proper look into its rapid expansion and urged the G20 nations to join hands on addressing the issue.

READ | AI Should Reach People And Must Be Safe For Society: PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi also noted that G20 has increased the confidence in multilateralism and has given a new direction to global governance reforms.

It is to be noted that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary four-day ceasefire to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians detained by Israel, as well as the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

As per Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV channel, the truce would take effect at 10 a.m. local time on Thursday, AP reported.