PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu Discuss West Asia Peace Efforts

New Delhi [India], September 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to talk about the recent events in West Asia. PM Modi emphasized India’s dedication to helping restore peace and stability quickly. He stressed the importance of stopping the recent escalation and ensuring the safe release of all hostages.

PM Modi shared on X, “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.”

Last October, Israel started a counter-attack against Hamas after hundreds of Hamas terrorists entered Israeli borders, killing over 1200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, with 100 still in captivity. The conflict has spread, with Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Israel and other countries in the Red Sea. Israel has also been striking Hezbollah in Lebanon.

As the conflict escalates, major countries are calling for a ceasefire and a hostage deal, while also pushing for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the region. On September 27, Israeli PM Netanyahu said the war with Hamas could end if Hamas lays down its arms and releases the hostages. He warned Iran that there is “no place” in Iran where Israel’s “long arms” cannot reach.

In his speech at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid and selling it at higher prices. He said, “This too has to end, and we are working to bring it to an end.” He emphasized that if Hamas remains in power, it will continue to attack Israel. “Hamas has got to go,” he said.

Netanyahu also stressed the need to defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon. He said, “This war can come to an end now, all that has to happen is for Hamas to surrender, lay down its arms and release all the hostages. But if they don’t, we will fight until we achieve total victory. There is no substitute for it. Israel must also defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon.”

Netanyahu mentioned that Israel has brought home 154 hostages, including 117 alive, and promised to continue efforts until all hostages are returned. He shared stories of the hostages and assured their families that Israel will not rest until their loved ones are home.

At the start of his address, Netanyahu said he did not plan to attend the UNGA but decided to come after hearing “lies and slanders” against Israel. He said, “I decided to come here to speak for my people, for my country, to speak for truth and here is the truth – Israel seeks peace, Israel yearns for peace, Israel has made peace and will make peace again.”

He added, “Yet, we face savage enemies who seek our annihilation and we must defend ourselves against these savage murderers. Our enemies seek not only to destroy us. They seek to destroy our common civilization and return all of us to a dark age of tyranny and terror.”