PM Modi discusses humanitarian assistance with Egypt’s El-Sisi as Israel attacks Gaza

PM Narendra Modi has spoken with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and exchanged views on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in West Asia. File
| Photo Credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra during the weekend spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss the latest in the Israel-Palestine conflict which reached a critical stage with Israeli forces rolling into the north Gaza during late Saturday. The discussion indicated fast moving international exchanges among the key stakeholders as Prime Minister Benyanmin Netanyahu asserted that Israel will fight a “long and difficult” war against Hamas in Gaza. 

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“Yesterday, spoke with President @AlsisiOfficial (Abdel Fattah El-Sisi). Exchanged views on the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in West Asia. We share concerns regarding terrorism, violence and loss of civilian lives. We agree on the need for early restoration of peace and stability and facilitating humanitarian assistance,” said PM Modi in a statement. 

In a separate statement issued on Sunday morning, Ministry of External Affairs said, the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict “and its implications for the region and the world.”

The discussion also indicates the importance that India attaches to the role of Egypt in ensuring humanitarian assistance to Gaza Strip where most of the Israeli military action is focusing right now. On October 22 India sent humanitarian relief meant for Gaza to Egypt’s El Arish airbase. However, Palestinian ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al-Haija had told The Hindu that much of the relief material that various countries have been sending for Gaza remained stuck inside Egypt because of intense military activity by Israel as well as because of shortage of fuel for the trucks inside Gaza. 

India abstained at the UN General Assembly on Friday during a resolution calling for ceasefire in the fighting. The action drew criticism on several fronts including from the opposition Congress which said abstaining on such a move was inconsistent with India’s commitment to non-violence and conflict resolution. Sources however argued that India maintained its longstanding position on the relevant issues like terrorism and civilian casualties during the debate.

“We are deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. The escalation of hostilities in the region will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. It is necessary for all parties to display the utmost responsibility,” an informed source had said explaining India’s position on the resolution.