On 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, Israel on Tuesday declared Lashkar-e-Taiba as terror outfit and announced to ban the terrorist outfit and termed it a 'deadly' and 'reprehensible' terror organisation on Tuesday. The Embassy of Israel in India said, the action has been taken without any request by the government of India.
"To symbolize the marking of the 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, the state of Israel has listed Lashkar-e-Taiba as a Terror Organization. Despite not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organizations," Israel embassy said in an official statement.
Highlighting that Israel only lists terror organisations that are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India - those globally recognised by UNSC or the US State Department, said, "Israel ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs have jointly worked in last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar -e- Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism."
The release affirmed that the terror organisation is responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others.
It noted, "Lashkar-e-Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organization, responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008, still reverberate in force, through all peace-seeking nations and societies."
"The state of Israel offers its sincere condolences to all victims of terrorism and to the survivors and bereaved families of the Mumbai attacks, including those in Israel. We stand with you united in the hope for a better peaceful future," It added.
Earlier in 2008, multiple terror attacks occurred in Mumbai. The attacks were carried out by 10 gunmen who were connected to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. Armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades, the terrorists targeted civilians at numerous sites in the southern part of Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station, the popular Leopold Cafe, two hospitals, and a theatre.
While most of the attacks ended within a few hours after they began at around 9:30 pm on November 26, the terror continued to unfold at three locations where hostages were taken--the Nariman House, and the luxury hotels Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.