"What happened against Israel on October 7 was terrorism," says EAM Jaishankar

Nashik (Maharashtra) [India], May 16 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the attack that happened against Israel was "terrorism", adding that response will be there if any country is a victim of terrorism.

"What happened against Israel on October 7th was terrorism, there is no question of second thought. If there is terrorism against any country or if any country is becomes the victim of terrorism, then it's natural that a response will be there," Jaishankar said while addressing a programme event titled 'Vishwabandhu Bharat' in Nashik.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas carried out a massive terror attack against Israel on October 7, killing over 1200 people, taking around 250 people hostage and even committing sexual assault against civilians. In response, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive targeting the Hamas terror units in the Gaza Strip.

Further, he slams the opposition, stating that they are not ready to say anything regarding the Israel-Hamas war because if they do so, their vote bank will be affected.

"I am aware that there are some parties that are refraining to speak as they have some other calculation. They think that their vote bank calculation will be disrupted," EAM Jaishankar said.

During his address, he also advised to prevent the loss of civilian lives and stressed on the need for a long-term solution to the Palestinian issue.

"But we also need to think about the civilians, to ensure that innocent lives are not lost. And in the long term, this Palestinian issue, Palestinians need to find a solution for their country," said Jaishankar.

"So whenever such situations arise, I believe that if we keep our point forward with fairness and directness, people will understand that our stance is genuine. As Modi says, we are on the side of peace, we are on the side of stability, "said Jaishankar.

"So the more balanced our position is, the more people should feel that it is a fair position, that you are not being cunning; there are only some ethics and morals involved in this approach," he added.

India's position on Israel and Palestine is long-standing and consistent. India supports a two-state solution where Palestine is a sovereign, independent, and viable state within secure borders, living in peace with Israel. India also supports Palestine's full membership at the UN and believes that only a two-state solution achieved through direct negotiations will bring lasting peace to the region.

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Earlier, on the same day, Jaishankar also visited the Shree Kalaram Temple of Prabhu Ram in Nashik and prayed for the blessing of "Viksit Bharat."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that India sent a special envoy to Israel during its war with the Hamas terror group, to urge them to maintain peace rather than engage in combat during the month of Ramadan.

In an interview with Republic TV, PM Modi stressed on Friday that Israel should not fight, at least during the auspicious month of Ramadan."The time when Israel and Hamas were at war. I sent my special envoy to Israel to explain that Ramadan is going on. At least don't fight in Ramadan, don't attack anyone," PM Modi said.

"Secondly, I said that during the month of Ramadan, whatever the people need, India wants to send them, there should not be any hindrance. So this is our character and when we do this, we don't brag about it. Sometimes we get success, sometimes we don't. But we are doing it," he said.

While speaking regarding the Israel-Hamas war, PM Modi stated that when the world is choosing sides, we maintain a clear stance, India stands for peace.

"All the groups in the world. The community is formed. Almost all the communities want India's presence in some form or another. So, India is in a good position. As far as the issue of conflict is concerned, the world is taking the position," he said.

However, adding, "We are the only ones who have a clear stand, we are not on the side of anyone. We are on the side of peace," PM Modi emphasised.

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