Adnan Abu Alhaija, the Palestinian Ambassador to India, expressed doubts about the possibility of achieving a ceasefire with Israel under the current government, emphasizing that Israelis and their leadership have consistently rejected such efforts. When asked about the prospects for a ceasefire, he remarked, “All the people, even the United States, have defended Israel. The international arena calls Israel for a ceasefire, but Israelis and this extreme government (Netanyahu) are refusing the ceasefire.”
Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Alhaija stated that he believes India is advocating for a ceasefire. “I am sure India is also calling for ceasefire… Even in the United Nations, I don’t know what exactly PM Modi has said, but I am sure he was talking about ceasefire in the area and stopping any kind of escalation.”
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Notably, PM Modi discussed recent developments in West Asia with Netanyahu and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting efforts for the early restoration of peace and stability. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “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.”
The Palestinian Ambassador also addressed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, asserting that he defended Lebanon and its people “against the criminal regime of Netanyahu.” Alhaija remarked, “Nasrallah was a resistance leader and defended the land of Lebanon. He tried to help the people of Lebanon… against the criminal regime of Netanyahu. I think the Palestinian people and the area are facing the most extreme government in the history of Israel.”
Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly killed in a precision strike by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Netanyahu referred to Nasrallah as “the main engine of Iran’s axis of evil,” stating, “If someone rises up to kill you, kill him first…”
In October last year, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas after hundreds of Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli borders, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken, of which 100 remain in captivity. The conflict has recently escalated, with Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Israel and other nations in the Red Sea, and Israel continuing its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. As tensions rise, major countries are calling for a ceasefire and a hostage deal while emphasizing the need for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the region.
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