Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Israel counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu today. The two leaders, he said, had discussed the situation in West Asia. "Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability," he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2024
The conflict in West Asia that had started with the abduction of Israeli citizens by Hamas in October last year, has been escalating.
Israel's retaliatory strikes in Gaza has now expanded in scope. It struck back at Iran-backed Hezbollah, which attacked Israel and Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have targetted Israel as well.
Israel has been carrying out airstrikes on Lebanon. It has also informed the US that it is planning a limited ground operation as well, US daily Washington Post has reported.
On Saturday, the Israeli army said it had eliminated Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in the strike on the group's central command headquarters in Beirut. The hardliners in Iran are now calling for drastic measures against Israel, including closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz and nuclear weapon development.
Mr Netanyahu had responded, saying there was nowhere in the Middle East beyond Israel's reach.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati had called for a ceasefire in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beirut today.