Modi and Netanyahu Discuss Ongoing West Asia Conflict, Stress Need for Peace and Hostage Release
New Delhi, 1st October 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they addressed the ongoing situation in West Asia. Modi emphasized that “terrorism has no place in our world” and highlighted the importance of preventing regional escalation while ensuring the safe release of all hostages. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region, as noted in his post on X, formerly Twitter.
The conflict in West Asia, which began last October with the abduction of Israeli citizens by Hamas, has been intensifying. Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza have broadened, including strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has launched attacks on Israel, as well as the Houthi rebels from Yemen, who have also targeted Israel.
Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Lebanon and has reportedly informed the United States of its intentions to initiate a limited ground operation, according to the Washington Post.
On Saturday, the Israeli military claimed to have eliminated Hezbollah leader Nasrallah during a strike on the group’s central command in Beirut. Following this, hardliners in Iran have been advocating for severe actions against Israel, including the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz and advancements in nuclear weapon development.
In response, Netanyahu stated that there is no place in the Middle East that is beyond Israel’s reach. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for a ceasefire in the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beirut today.
