G20: PM Modi says Israel-Hamas fight can't be allowed to become regional conflict

Modi said that while terrorism is unacceptable, the death of civilians – wherever it might be – is condemnable

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on global leaders to ensure the conflict between Israel and Hamas doesn't become a regional matter, saying the virtual G20 Leaders' Summit was a sign that the world stood together to find a solution.

Addressing the G20 leaders at the start of the virtual summit on November 22, the Indian Prime Minister also welcomed the release of Israeli and Palestinian hostages, saying he hoped that "all hostages would soon be released".

Also Read: G20 leaders to discuss implementation of New Delhi declaration at virtual meet

"When I had proposed the Virtual G20 Leaders' Summit (in September), I couldn't have imagined what the global situation would be. Last month, new challenges emerged. Disturbances and security-related issues in West Asia are a matter of concern for all of us," the PM said.

"We admit terrorism is not acceptable to any of us. The death of civilians, wherever it might be, is condemnable. We welcome the news of hostages being released in West Asia and hope that all hostages will soon be released," he added.

Earlier today, Qatar announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a four-day ceasefire. As part of the agreement, 50 women and children hostages held in Gaza will be released, while 150 Palestinian women and children will be freed by Israel.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about the four-day Israel-Hamas truce

Further commenting on the conflict in West Asia, Prime Minister Modi said timely and regular delivery of humanitarian assistance is essential.

"It is also important to ensure that the fight between Israel and Hamas does not assume regional proportions."

"For the sake of humanity, we need to be loud against terror and violence," he added.

Modi had announced at the Leaders' Summit, held in New Delhi on September 9-10, that a virtual summit would take place before India's G20 Presidency ends in November. The virtual summit will see top global leaders discuss the implementation of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, among other issues. Going by Modi's opening remarks, the Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, is set to be discussed.

The virtual summit, the last major event to take place under India's G20 Presidency, is expected to last about two-and-a-half hours, following which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, and Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth will address the media.