‘Difficult to evacute Indians from Gaza, but…’: MEA on Israel-Hamas war

'‘Difficult to evacute Indians from Gaza, but…’: MEA on Israel-Hamas war'

The MEA called for a strict observance of international humanitarian law after the attack on the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

India on Thursday called for a strict observance of international humanitarian law in view of the blast at a Gaza hospital that took place on Tuesday.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India is concerned over civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation.

During his weekly media briefing, Bagchi further said, "We would urge strict observance of international humanitarian law," while replying to questions about the attack on the Al-Ahli Hospital.

Bagchi said, "We have strongly condemned the horrific attack on Israel," adding that the international community must stand together in combating terrorism in all its forms.

When asked about the Palestine issue, he said India reiterated its position in favour of direct negotiations for a two-state solution.

About 500 Palestinians were killed in a blast at a Gaza hospital on Tuesday that Palestinian health authorities said was caused by an Israeli air strike but that the Israeli military blamed on a failed rocket launch by a Palestinian militant group.

Palestinian authorities blamed Israeli air strikes for the explosion at the hospital, while Israel said it was caused by a misfired rocket launched from Gaza by militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The conflict has been triggered by unprecedented and multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza since October 7. Israel has launched a massive counteroffensive in Gaza to avenge the attacks.