The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday voiced concern over the escalating violence in Gaza, where more than 400 people have been killed following Israeli airstrikes.

“We are concerned about the situation in Gaza. It is important that all hostages are released. We also call for the supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza to be sustained,” the MEA said in an official statement on Wednesday.

Israel intensified its military offensive on Wednesday, launching ground operations in northern Gaza to retake a key corridor. The latest strikes have further escalated tensions, effectively ending the ceasefire that had been in place since January 19.

Previously, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had expressed India’s deep concern over the humanitarian crisis. Speaking to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministers in September 2024, he said that the situation in Gaza was India’s foremost concern.

Jaishankar conveyed India’s deep distress over the continued loss of innocent lives and underscored the need for any response to align with humanitarian law, advocating for an immediate ceasefire.