India calls for hostage release in Gaza as Israel intensifies strikes on Hamas
PTC Web Desk: India has urged the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza and stressed the need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to civilians in the region. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the issue on X, stating, "We are concerned about the situation in Gaza. It is essential that all hostages are freed. We also call for the sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza."
The appeal came as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of extensive airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in Gaza. According to the IDF, the operations were carried out in response to Hamas's continued refusal to release hostages and its rejection of proposals from international mediators, including U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly authorized the military action.
In an official statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office warned that the country would intensify its military actions against Hamas, declaring, "Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength."
Providing further operational details, the IDF reported striking a Hamas military site in northern Gaza, where preparations were allegedly underway to launch projectiles into Israel. Additionally, the Israeli Navy targeted multiple vessels off the Gaza coast, claiming they were intended for use in attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Wednesday resulted in at least 14 casualties. Reports also suggest that more than 400 persons were killed in the broader offensive, with hundreds more injured.
- With inputs from agencies
