India condemns attacks in Israel, shows solidarity

India on Saturday condemned the latest offensive in southern Israel and showed solidarity with Tel Aviv by describing the coordinated rocket attack as an act of terror, but refrained from naming Hamas.

"Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour," PM Modi tweeted hours after the attack.

The foreign ministry issued an advisory for Indians in Israel and the government is closely monitoring the situation. Israel and India enjoy a defence and counter-terror partnership.

The Israeli envoy lauded India for its support. The attack comes close on heels of India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), in which Israel is supposed to play a key role, and amid progress in Israel India USA UAE, or I2u2, projects. IMEC is a pathbreaking initiative that plans to connect SE Asia via India and UAE-Saudi-Jordan and Israel with European ports. India has huge stakes in West Asia across sectors besides diaspora linkages.

The US has unequivocally condemned "the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand firmly with the government and the people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks," White House said.

Russia's deputy foreign minister and Middle East envoy Mikhail Bogdanov told RIA Novosti on Saturday that Russia is in contact with Israeli and Palestinian officials and called on both sides for an immediate ceasefire. Egypt, which has diplomatic ties with Israel, is trying to find a way to stop the bloodshed.