India, US Jointly Condemn 'Horrific Terrorist Attacks Against Israel', Call For Immediate Release Of Hostages By Hamas

In a joint statement issued after the conclusion fifth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, New India and Washington reiterated their support for Israel's ongoing military campaign against the Palestinian militant outfit Hamas, while calling for the adherence to international humanitarian law in the ongoing armed conflict in Gaza.

The bilateral summit, held in New Delhi on Friday, saw External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holding meetings in the '2+2 format' with their US counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

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India and the US also called for the immediate release of all the hostages abducted by Hamas from Israeli territory and currently being held captive in the Gaza Strip. "Noting horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, the Ministers reiterated that India and the United States stand with Israel against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians. They called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages," the statement read.

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It added, "The Ministers committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They expressed support for humanitarian pauses and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace."

(Gaza Strip under Israeli bombardment following Hamas' October 7 onsluaght on Israeli territory. Pic Credits: Reuters)

According to authorities of Hamas-controlled Gaza, the death toll in the Palestinian exclave due to the Israeli counteroffensive in reponse to Hamas' October 7 onslaught has surpassed 11,000 so far. In his strongest comments to date on the plight of civilians caught in the Gaza cross-fire, Blinken, on Friday, stated, "Far too many Palestinians have been killed; far too many have suffered these past weeks."

He welcomed the daily four-hour humanitarian pauses by Israel that the White House announced on Thursday and said more action was needed to safeguard Gaza's civilians. He, however, also reaffirmed US support for Israel's campaign to ensure that Gaza can no longer be used "as a platform for launching terrorism".

(With inputs from Reuters)