New Delhi, Nov. 18 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, focused around Gaza, that threatens the peace and security of that region.
In response to a question regarding violence in Gaza Strip, the Official Spokesperson of MEA, Syed Akbaruddin said: " It is imperative that the situation be de-escalated urgently as the region is already undergoing turmoil. We urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking any action that may further exacerbate the situation.
"It may be mentioned that an emergency meeting on Palestine was held at the UN Security Council on November 14 under India's Presidency to send a strong message from the Council to those concerned to de-escalate the situation and to stop the violence immediately," said Akbaruddin.
"It is also necessary that direct talks begin without any further delay between Israel and the Palestinian Authority leading to a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian situation," he added.
Israel bombed Palestinian militant targets in the Gaza Strip from air and sea for a fifth straight day on Sunday, preparing for a possible ground invasion though Egypt saw 'some indications' of a truce ahead.
Militant rocket fire into Israel subsided during the night but resumed in the morning with three rockets fired at the nearby coastal city of Ashkelon, the Israeli army said.
Forty-eight Palestinians, about half of them civilians, including 13 children, have been killed in Israel's raids, Palestinian officials said. More than 500 rockets fired from Gaza have hit Israel, killing three people and injuring dozens. (ANI)
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