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India condemns Israel for attacks on Gaza civilians |
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Tuesday, 12 February 2008 |
NEW DELHI: India on Monday condemned
Israel’s use of force in civilian areas in Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip
and said it would soon send humanitarian relief to the area.
The
clear expression of support for Palestine came on a day when Israel
Defence Minister Ehud Barak said his country’s defence forces were
“preparing for a large scale operation in Gaza.’’
The Left might
see the External Affairs statement as a balancing act of sorts. The
Communists have criticised Delhi for launching last month an Israeli
satellite capable of spying into Iran. The Left wants a debate in
Parliament on this in the coming session.
Israel has imposed
economic sanctions on Gaza and attacked Hamas buildings – also killing
and injuring civilians in the process – in retaliation to rockets fired
into its own territory. Last June, Hamas wrested control of Gaza Strip
from forces loyal to Palestinian authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
“India
has followed recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with deep concern
and anguish. The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine,
especially in the Gaza strip, is deplorable,’’ the Foreign Office said.
Though
it asked for restraint from all sides, the statement was directed
mainly at Israel. “India condemns the use of force on the civilian
population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to
exercise restraint.’’
India called for quick restoration of
normalcy in the region and supported recent Egyptian efforts to promote
dialogue among Palestinian groups. The External Affairs Ministry would
soon announce a package of assistance for Palestinians hit by the
fighting and the economic blockade.
“In addition to the
assistance already delivered by India to the people of Palestine, we
stand ready to extend additional assistance to help the people of
Palestine to overcome the suffering they are facing now.’’
Delhi
also made clear that it was ready to help in the larger West Bank peace
process. In November, it had attended the Annapolis peace conference
called by US President George Bush of countries in West Asia and beyond. Source: Newindpress
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Middle East