India backs two-state solution, calls for Gaza truce & hostage release amid Israel offensives
'Our position has been clear and consistent. There has been no change. We continue to call for a ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, continued supply of humanitarian aid, and we stand for a two state solution,' the Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.
This statement came at a time when Mossad spy chief David Barnea is visiting Qatar to revive Gaza peace talks.
The visit follows a reported expression of eagerness by Hamas for a swift return to Gaza ceasefire negotiations during a meeting with Egypt's intelligence chief in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Thursday plans to commence work on a long-delayed settlement that would divide the West Bank and isolate it from East Jerusalem, a move his office stated would 'bury' the idea of a Palestinian state.
More than 100 non-profit groups warned Thursday that Israel's rules for aid groups working in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will block much-needed relief and replace independent organisations with those that serve Israel's political and military agenda — charges that Israel denied.
The Israel-Hamas war casualties add to the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed since the war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 people.
Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed more 61,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.
Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals but 50 remain inside Gaza. Israel believes around 20 of them to be alive.
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