Jairam Ramesh Calls for Peace Amid West Asia Violence on International Day of Non-Violence

On International Day of Non-Violence, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stressed the importance of peace and dialogue to end the ongoing violence in West Asia. He noted the humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of innocent people.

Ramesh said, "Thanks to an initiative taken by the Congress-led UPA Government, since 2007 the United Nations observes October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence. The Indian National Congress recalls this in the midst of an alarming escalation of remorseless hostilities in West Asia. This is imposing an unacceptable humanitarian price on thousands upon thousands of innocent men, women and children."

He added, "There is a fierce urgency for peace and dialogue in the region that is now engulfed by a deepening cycle of violence and counter-violence. The world's conscience seems to have been dulled by the forces of revenge. It needs to be reawakened by the forces of reconciliation."

The conflict in West Asia intensified after Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. The United States military coordinated with the Israeli Defence Forces to defend against the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Iran's missile attack a "big mistake" and warned that Iran would face consequences.

Netanyahu stated, "Iran made a big mistake today and will pay for it. The Iranian regime does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to take revenge on our enemies."

Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson, RAdm Daniel Hagari, described Iran's attack as a "severe and dangerous escalation" and warned of consequences. Following the death of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah, Netanyahu issued a warning to Iran's Ayatollah regime, asserting that those who target Israel will face consequences and that no location in Iran or West Asia is beyond Israel's reach.