Modi raises ‘great concern' over humanitarian crisis in Gaza in BRICS address
'Global peace and security is not just an ideal, it is the foundation of our common interests and future. Development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment … From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern,' Modi said in his statement at the BRICS summit being held in Rio De Janeiro.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday called the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza of 'great concern', pointing out that 'peace' as the only 'option' for the 'welfare of humanity' in his statement during the BRICS session on peace and security.
Modi's comments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to travel to Washington D.C. to meet with American President Donald J. Trump, where the situation in Gaza is expected to figure in the conversation.
Trump last week claimed Israel had agreed to 'necessary conditions' for a 60-day ceasefire in the roughly 20-month conflict with Hamas in the Gaza strip. Reports indicate Hamas is willing to negotiate a 60-day agreement.
On Sunday, Israelis returned to the negotiating table in Qatar to discuss a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian militant outfit that controls Gaza.
At least 700 Palestinians have been killed at aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the last month, according to health authorities in Gaza. For around 11 weeks this year, Israeli authorities blocked the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip, as it continued its military operations in the area.
Leaders within BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, the UAE and Ethiopia, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have in the past accused Israel of carrying out 'genocide' against the Palestinians in the Gaza strip
South Africa, another member of the BRICS grouping filed a case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
India, which has maintained support for the two-state solution, was one of the first to condemn Hamas's attacks on 7 October, 2023, while defending Israel's right to defend itself. It has since abstained from some votes in the United Nations, which have made no mention of the release of hostages being held by the group in the Gaza strip.
In the 7 October attack, Hamas killed at least 1,150 Israelis and took another 251 hostage. Around 50 hostages remain in the hands of the group.
Modi in his address at BRICS also said 'India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads it towards dialogue, cooperation and coordination, and increases solidarity and trust. In this direction, we are committed to cooperation and partnership with all friendly countries'.
The Indian Prime Minister also raised the Pahalgam terrorist attack during his address, calling it a 'direct attack on the soul, identity and dignity of India.' The attack on 22 April in India's Jammu and Kashmir left 26 people dead.
'In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences. Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience,'' the Indian Prime Minister said.
Modi added: 'There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable under any circumstances.'
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
Also Read: EAM Jaishankar likely to travel to China this month for SCO meet, bilateral with Wang Yi
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