PM speaks to Bibi on Israel-Hamas conflict, calls for restoration of peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday discussed the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the Indian leader emphasised the need for an early resolution of the hostilities.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Netanyahu made a phone call to Modi to brief him on the recent developments in the conflict, according to an Indian government readout of the conversation. The safety of maritime traffic also figured in the conversation against the backdrop of attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Modi "reiterated the need for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population and emphasised an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict", the readout said.

These efforts should include the release of all hostages and solutions should be found through dialogue and diplomacy, Modi said. "The two leaders shared concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic," the readout said.