Concerned over tensions on Gaza-Israel border: India

An elderly Palestinian man falls on the ground after being shot by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel, east of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on May 14, 2018.

An elderly Palestinian man falls on the ground after being shot by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel, east of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on May 14, 2018.   | Photo Credit: AP

India on May 16 expressed deep sadness in response to the death of a large number of Palestinians following the opening of the new U.S. embassy for Israel in Jerusalem. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the violence at the border between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza Strip and urged both sides to avoid escalation.

“India is deeply concerned with continuing tensions on the border between Gaza Strip and Israel where more than 50 Palestinian nationals lost their lives and thousands injured on May 14. We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement.

The statement precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sochi, Russia, where he is expected to discuss the world affairs with the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We urge all sides to avoid escalation of the situation so as to create a conducive atmosphere to resume the peace process,” the MEA said in its statement.