India concerned over escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine: MEA

In response to a media query regarding the recent escalation of violence in Gaza and Israel, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Thursday said that India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine.

"India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly, heavy air strikes in Gaza, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives and heavy damage to property. At the same time, India is alarmed at the cross-border provocations resulting from rocket attacks against targets in parts of Israel."

"India calls upon both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation, and threaten the peace and security of the region. India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people," he said.

"We call upon both sides to resume direct talks at the earliest, in adherence to the obligations assumed by them under the peace process, for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue," he added.