A Diplomatic Conversation
Gangtokian News Desk: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a critical conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza and their dire consequences for the civilian population.
While India has yet to release an official statement about the discussion, the Egyptian president’s office provided a synopsis of the call. According to the press release, El-Sisi “received” the phone call from PM Modi, and the two leaders engaged in a dialogue.
Concerns About Escalation
During their conversation, both leaders shared their concerns over the recent Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. They emphasized the alarming impact of the ongoing escalation on the lives of civilians and the security of the entire region.
Modi’s Previous Conversations
PM Modi has also previously spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Jordan’s King Abdullah regarding the situation in the region.
Escalation and Diplomacy
The conversation takes place against the backdrop of Israel’s unannounced ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, following 20 days of retaliatory airstrikes that have tragically resulted in over 7,000 fatalities. This latest escalation began when Hamas infiltrated southern Israel, leading to the loss of approximately 1,200 lives and the taking of over 200 hostages.
International Efforts for Ceasefire
President El-Sisi’s spokesperson revealed that he briefed PM Modi about Cairo’s efforts to coordinate regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire. The Egyptian president underlined the severe humanitarian and security consequences of a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
UN Resolution
Notably, India abstained from supporting a resolution in the UN General Assembly that called for a humanitarian “truce” to facilitate the uninterrupted supply of essential provisions to the Gaza Strip. This resolution was presented by Jordan on behalf of the Arab group.
Urgent Need for a Diplomatic Solution
Egypt, which shares borders with both Gaza and Israel, has been at the center of international attempts to provide humanitarian aid to civilians amid constant bombardment. President El-Sisi emphasized the critical requirement for unified international action to find a prompt diplomatic solution that would establish an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, protect civilian lives, and ensure the prompt, sustainable, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
His statements aligned with the provisions of the UNGA resolution, which secured 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions. In the context of the developing world, often referred to as the Global South, India’s abstention marks a distinct position amidst the votes on the resolution.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 29/10/23