Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed gratitude towards India for extending support amid the war with Hamas. He said that he could have had another army with Indian volunteers. Speaking to news agency ANI, Gilon said, “The level of support that we got from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the full picture was not even there yet, among the first in the world, came out and tweeted a condemnation and extended support to Israel, We will not forget that.” He added, “India and Israel, the closeness is something I cannot explain”.
Gilon also said that he received phone calls from ministers, officials, and business persons extending support to Israel. Highlighting the overwhelming support from Indians, Ambassador Gilon said, “Look at the social media of the embassy (Israeli Embassy), it's amazing. I could have another IDF with volunteers (Indians). Everyone is telling me I want to volunteer and I want to go and fight for Israel. This strong support is unprecedented for me".
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing war, the Israeli infantry and tanks have carried out "localised raids" in Gaza Strip in its first ground assaults since the clashes began on October 7. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that small raids were carried out to attack Hamas rocket crews and seek information on the location of hostages taken by Palestinian gunmen last Saturday, reported Sky News. Israel has earlier announced a ground raid in the besieged Gaza Strip, asking citizens to leave the area.
CNN reported that several journalists wearing body armor clearly labeled as "press" were hit when Israeli forces struck Lebanon on Friday. It added that the sudden blast killed one Reuters journalist and wounded at least six others.
The Israeli military said that it had fired artillery at Lebanese territory after a border fence exploded near the Israeli kibbutz of Hanita, near which a group of journalists was covering the exchange of fire, CNN stated.