One Year Of Israel-Hamas War: Where India Stands On Gaza Conflict?

A year after the October 7 Hamas attack triggered the war in Gaza, India continues to underline the need for dialogue and diplomacy amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which now fully involves Lebanon and Iran.

While condemning last year’s terrorist act against Israel, India has also voiced concern over the loss of civilian lives in the conflict. Even before the situation began to exacerbate in West Asia, it focused on the need for peace and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, while also making a case for Israel’s right to respond to the violence perpetrated on its soil.

After the Hamas killed 1200 people and roughly 250 people hostage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to condemn the attacks and extend support to the Jewish state. “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” Modi wrote on X on October 7, 2023.

October 7 Hamas Attack

After the unprecedented attack on Israel, the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government took no time to launch an intense military campaign to eliminate Hamas and free the captives in Gaza. Over the next few months, its relentless response to Hamas and other jihadist groups resulted in a humanitarian situation in the region, including the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and the displacement of millions more.

Amidst the crisis, India actively sought to mediate and promote dialogue between the conflicting parties. It condemned the violence in Gaza and it called for a ceasefire to aid civilians affected by the conflict. Under PM Modi, India has provided some 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including 13 tonnes of medical supplies, to support those impacted by the war.

India’s Response

Led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, India has also engaged with leaders from both Israel and Palestine, calling for the end of violence and reiterating Delhi’s commitment to a two-state solution. This long-standing policy vouches for a sovereign and viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, living peacefully within secure borders.

In multilateral forums like the UN, G20, and BRICS, India has advocated for restraint and de-escalation while supporting resolutions for resolving humanitarian crises in Gaza. On the world stage, India’s voting on UN resolutions on the issue has been in line with its stated policy. While it initially abstained from votes calling for ceasefires or condemnations of Israeli actions, it later supported resolutions advocating for humanitarian access in Gaza.

Meanwhile, India’s peace and humanitarian efforts have included contributions to organisations aiding Palestinian refugees. Last year, India pledged USD 5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Additionally, India has facilitated initiatives such as an artificial limb fitment camp in Palestine, benefiting hundreds of individuals.

Talks with Mahmoud Abbas, Netanyahu

Continuing with India’s balance act amid the Gaza war, PM Modi last month met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New York and expressed concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Meeting Mahmoud on the sidelines of UNGA, he reaffirmed India’s support for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

“Met President Mahmoud Abbas in New York. Reiterated India’s support for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. Exchanged views of further strengthening long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine,” Modi said in a post on X during the second leg of his three-day US visit.

Within a week, Modi also spoke to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and called for avoiding “regional escalation” of the West Asian conflict. During the phone call that came days after Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah in Beirut, PM Modi extended support for Israel’s fight against terrorism.

“Spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability,” said Modi in a message.

Broader conflict

A few days after a phone call between Modi and Netanyahu, Jaishankar also voiced concern about the worsening situation in West Asia. Speaking at a Carnegie Endowment event in the US on October 2, he said, India is concerned “about the possibility of broadening the conflict—not just what happened in Lebanon but also the Houthis and the Red Sea, and to some extent, what occurs between Israel and Iran.”

As part of India’s concern, the external affairs minister emphasised the need for dialogue amid the escalating conflict. He also suggested that India could take on the role of mediator if necessary. “Don’t underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said, and passed on and passed back. I think those are all contributions we can make,” he added.