Modi, Bibi discuss Israel-Hamas war, call for restoration of peace

New Delhi: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu briefed PM Narendra Modi Tuesday about recent developments in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and thanked him for India’s support of Israel’s “just war” to eliminate the Hamas terrorist organisation. Modi said he highlighted India’s consistent position on the conflict.According to Indian authorities, the leaders shared concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic. Israel said they spoke about the importance of securing freedom of navigation in Bab-el-Mandeb, which is threatened by the “aggression of the Houthis, instigated by Iran”. The two leaders also discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to Israel.“Had a productive exchange of views with PM @netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic,” Modi posted on X. “Highlighted India’s consistent stand in favour of early restoration of peace and stability in the region with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected,” he added.The focus on maritime security followed concerns over safety of maritime traffic in the region. A missile reportedly fired by Yemen’s Houthi militants hit a commercial tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen last week triggering concerns.Netanyahu’s call to Modi was the first high-level contact between the two countries since India, which has been vocal in condemning the October 7 terror strikes by Hamas, voted in favour of a UNGA resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza even though the resolution didn’t explicitly condemn the Hamas attacks.Modi reiterated the need for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population and emphasised an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict, including the release of all hostages, through dialogue and diplomacy.