India Expresses Concern Over Gaza Situation, Calls For Humanitarian Aid and Hostage Release

India urges the release of all hostages and sustained humanitarian aid amid escalating Gaza conflict.

Picture source: AP

New Delhi: India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of all hostages and the continuation of humanitarian aid. 

"We are concerned at the situation in Gaza. It is important that all hostages are released," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated. 

The remarks came after Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday, raising uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire it had reached with Hamas in January. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 400 people were killed in the latest Israeli bombardment. 

"We also call for the supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza to be sustained," the MEA added. 

Israel Conducts Extensive Strikes On Hamas Targets In Gaza

The situation in the Gaza strip remains unstable, as Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched extensive airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, following directives from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.

"In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip," the IDF stated.

In a series of posts on X, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said the strikes were carried out due to Hamas's continued refusal to release hostages and its rejection of proposals from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," the statement read.

Providing an operational update on Wednesday, the IDF reported striking a Hamas military site in northern Gaza overnight, where preparations were being made to launch projectiles at Israel. The Israeli Navy also targeted several vessels along Gaza’s coast, which, according to the IDF, were intended for use in terrorist activities by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

"The IDF struck a Hamas military site in northern Gaza overnight where preparations were being made to fire projectiles at Israeli territory. In addition, the Israeli Navy struck several vessels in the coastal area of Gaza. These vessels were intended to be used for terrorist activities by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad," the IDF stated on X.

According to Al Jazeera, at least 14 people were killed in the overnight and early morning Israeli strikes on Gaza. The outlet further reported that Tuesday night's attacks resulted in over 400 deaths and left hundreds injured.