Amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday expressed “deep concern” about the civilian deaths in Gaza.
“India is deeply concerned about the loss of large number of civilian lives in Gaza. We have called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and work towards a comprehensive resolution on the Palestinian issue,” Swaraj said, a day after Israel resumed air-strikes in Gaza killing 18 Palestinians.
Swaraj was speaking after inaugurating a symposium for mediapersons and member countries of the League of Arab Nations. Noting that there were conflicting interpretations in the media over India’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, she said: “On such a sensitive issue, there is no room for confusion or misunderstanding.”
The minister asserted that while India was committed to supporting Palestine, maintaining a good relationship with Israel was also important.
“Let me repeat, and underline, once again: There is no change in India’s policy of extending strong support to the Palestinian cause, while maintaining good relations with Israel. Apart from strong political support to the Palestinian cause at international, regional and bilateral levels, India has been contributing budgetary, economic and developmental aid to Palestine and its people,” she added.
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