PM Modi Stresses Immediate De-Escalation In West Asia, Ceasefire During Call With Israeli PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underscored the urgent need for de-escalation in West Asia during a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi reiterated the call for the immediate release of all hostages and emphasised the importance of continued humanitarian assistance in the region.

In a post on X, Modi shared that Netanyahu had extended his warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day. “We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Emphasised the need to de-escalate the situation. Reiterated our call for the immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, and the need for continued humanitarian assistance,” Modi stated.

Appreciate PM @netanyahu’s phone call and warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day. We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Emphasized on the need to de-escalate the situation. Reiterated our call for immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire and need for…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2024

Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations Continue In Qatar To Prevent Escalation In Tensions In West Asia 

The conversation comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in West Asia following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza continued in Qatar on Friday, with talks resuming after noon prayers, news agency Reuters reported. These negotiations aim to prevent further regional escalation, end the war that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, and secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

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Although Hamas is not directly participating in the talks, mediators have been briefing the Palestinian militant group on the developments. “This is vital work. The remaining obstacles can be overcome, and we must bring this process to a close,” remarked U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby, as quoted by Reuters.

The conflict, which began on October 7 when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and the seizure of approximately 250 hostages, has led to a devastating military campaign by Israel in Gaza. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, and significant portions of Gaza have been reduced to rubble. Israel claims to have eliminated 17,000 Hamas fighters during the ongoing operations.