Mumbai - Israel's Consul General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, stated that more than 20,000 Indians reside in Israel, and as of now, he is unaware of any Indian nationals being injured or killed in the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas members. He emphasized that if such cases come to their attention, he would personally oversee the matter. Flight operations from India to Israel have been suspended, and the Ministry of External Affairs is actively working to repatriate Indians stranded in Israel.
Meanwhile, India has taken a firm stance on the situation. A spokesperson for the country's foreign ministry labeled the weekend attack by Hamas militants in Israel as a "terrorist attack." This reiteration of India's position also emphasized its longstanding support for an independent Palestine. The spokesperson underlined India's commitment to direct negotiations for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, coexisting peacefully with Israel within secure and recognized borders.
Israel, in response to one of the deadliest attacks on its soil, has pledged to eradicate the Hamas movement governing the Gaza Strip. This has led to a total siege of Gaza and the largest bombing campaign in the 75-year history of the conflict, resulting in a high casualty count on both sides, with over 2,500 people having lost their lives.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock at the "terrorist attacks in Israel" shortly after the incidents. He conveyed solidarity with Israel, both through social media and during a phone conversation with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
India, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992, has grown closer to Israel over the years, moving towards strategic partnership. Consequently, New Delhi has reduced its vocal support for an independent Palestinian state. Nevertheless, as hostilities persist and Israel intensifies its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, India emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and the global responsibility to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.