- By Nidhi Giri
- Sat, 26 Oct 2024 08:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India on Saturday expressed concern over the tensions in the Middle East after Israel retaliated against Iran earlier today, carrying out air strikes against several military targets inside the country, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs said,"We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy."
Israel targeted military sites in Iran with the IDF saying that scores of its jets carried out three waves of strikes before dawn against missile factories and other sites.
“The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer. Our Missions in the region are in contact with the Indian community,” the MEA statement added.
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In a message posted on the social media website X, IDF chief Herzi Halevi said that the attack on Iran was launched to counter relentless attacks on Israel.
"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel—right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran. The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th—on seven fronts—including direct attacks from Iranian soil," Halevi said.
Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. However, Iran claimed its air defence system successfully countered the attacks, causing only 'limited damage' to certain locations.
Iran stated it is “entitled and obligated to defend itself” following Israeli airstrikes on its military targets, denouncing the attacks as a violation of international law. The foreign ministry affirmed Iran’s commitment to regional peace and security.