Israel-Hamas conflict must not be allowed to escalate, Modi tells G20

India, in the last summit of its G20 presidency on Wednesday, called upon world leaders to ensure that the Israel-Hamas conflict does not escalate into a regional conflict, as the two warring sides agreed a four-day ceasefire.

- Rhik Kundu

"The situation of insecurity and instability in the West Asian region is a matter of concern for all of us," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a virtual summit of G20 leaders.

"It is necessary to ensure that the Israel-Hamas conflict does not become any form of a regional conflict.

"We believe that terrorism is unacceptable to all of us. Deaths of civilians anywhere is condemnable. It is important that humanitarian aid should reach in time and is uninterrupted," he added.

The G20 leaders agreed on several issues on West Asia by consensus, including zero tolerance for terrorism, a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, safe passage of humanitarian aid to conflict-impacted areas and the need for a humanitarian pause.