India denounced on Monday the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and called upon all sides including Israel to exercise restraint.
"India has followed recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with deep concern and anguish. The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, especially in the Gaza strip, is deplorable," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said in a statement.
"India condemns the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to exercise restraint," the spokesperson said, underlining India's commitment to the peace process in the Middle East.
New Delhi also offered additional assistance to help the people of Palestine to overcome their suffering and hardships. "A package of such assistance is being worked out and will be announced shortly. India also stands ready to help the peace process move forward," the spokesperson said.
Backing the Egyptian government's move to address humanitarian needs through dialogue among the Palestinian groups, India called for an immediate restoration of normalcy in the violence-torn region.
"The time to act is now with trust and understanding for a new beginning of hope and fulfillment, and an end to violence," the spokesperson said.
Violence between the Israeli army and Gaza militants escalated after the Gaza-Egypt border was sealed on Feb. 5. Twenty-two people have been killed by army raids while Gaza gunmen have fired more than 100 rockets and mortar rounds on southern Israel, wounding some people. The situation is set to worsen with leading Israeli politicians Monday calling for the toppling of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
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