External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a firm statement regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing that regardless of the complexities involved, the fundamental reality remains that Palestinians have been deprived of their rights and homeland.
He described the events of October 7 as a ‘terrorist attack’ while also recognizing the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law in any response, alluding to the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza.
Jaishankar, currently visiting Malaysia, engaged with the Indian community during an event.
“How different pulls and pressures can be. On one hand, what happened on Oct 7 was terrorism. On the other hand, nobody would countenance the death of innocent civilians. Countries may be justified in their own minds in responding, but you cannot have a response that…every response must take into account something called international humanitarian law,” Jaishankar said.
“The fact is whatever the rights and wrongs of the issue, there is underlying issue of the rights of the Palestinians and the fact that they have been denied their homeland,” he added.
Hamas perpetrated a devastating terror assault in Israel on Oct 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1200 individuals and the abduction of more than 250 hostages, with over 100 still held captive.
In retaliation, Israel initiated a robust counterattack in the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas units. Nevertheless, the operation has led to civilian casualties as well. According to the Gaza ministry, over 32,000 individuals, including women and children, have lost their lives in Gaza.
PM Modi was among the initial global leaders to denounce the heinous terror attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct 7.
However, India has maintained its support for the ‘two-state solution’ to the enduring Israel-Palestine conflict.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar is undertaking an official visit to Malaysia, with subsequent visits planned for Singapore and the Philippines.
Earlier in the day, he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expressing appreciation for his vision focused on bolstering ties between India and Malaysia.
He also underscored that this vision will act as a driving force for formulating a more ambitious agenda to enhance the relationship between the two nations.
He also convened a round-table meeting with CEOs in Malaysia and commended their increasing interest in collaborating with Indian industries.
“A productive round-table meeting with CEOs in Malaysia. Glad to hear about growing interest in partnering with Indian industries. Encouraged them to join in India’s growth story. Discussed geopolitical developments that can provide more opportunities in business interactions,” the EAM posted on X.
A productive round-table meeting with CEOs in Malaysia.
Glad to hear about growing interest in partnering with Indian industries. Encouraged them to join in India’s growth story.
Discussed geopolitical developments that can provide more opportunities in 🇮🇳 🇲🇾 business… pic.twitter.com/Qt76qXmI41
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 27, 2024