PM Modi’s message to Israel: ‘Stand in solidarity at this difficult hour’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at the Hamas attack on Israel killing at least 22 people. Extending condolence and prayers, PM Modi said India stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” PM Modi tweeted hours after rockets fired by the Hamas group triggered a war in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his televised address declared a mass army mobilization and the beginning of the war, ‘not an operation, not a round’ but war. “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” Netanyahu added, promising that Israel would “return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known.”
In the wake of the war in Israel, the external affairs ministry alerted the Indians in Israel to avoid unnecessary movement and to stay close to safety shelters. “In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant, and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli Home Front Command website or their preparedness brochure,” the ministry said in a statement.
Hamas terrorists began an all-out attack on Israel infiltrating by air, sea, and land from the blockaded Gaza strip on Saturday in what is being seen as an unprecedented escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
22 people were killed in the attack.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we are at war” and announced an extensive mobilisation of army reserves.
Hamas released a video showing its fighters captured three men dressed in civilian clothes and described as “enemy soldiers” in the video caption.
“We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over,” said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas armed wing.
Hamas announced Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in the first 20 minutes of which it fired more than 5,000 rockets.
Israel in retaliation announced Operation Sword of Iron.
Israel embassy in India, in its statement, appreciated the support of the people of India against terrorism. “Thank you to the Indian people and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your very strong moral support to Israel. We will prevail,” Ambassador of Israel to India Naor Gilon said.