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Objects are seen in the sky above Tel Aviv after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 14, 2024, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. (Reuters)
India expresses serious concern over escalating tensions in West Asia after Iran’s first direct military attack on Israel, urging immediate de-escalation
Underlining concern over the escalation of hostilities in West Asia, India on Sunday called for “immediate de-escalation” after Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel. India’s embassy in Israel also issued an advisory, urging its nationals to stay calm.
Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles on Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday, the Israeli army announced, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes. “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
Dozens of surface-to-surface missile launches from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory. The IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches using the Arrow Aerial Defense System, together with Israel’s strategic allies, before the… pic.twitter.com/06GdLuJM6k— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024
Immediate de-escalation
The MEA called for call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” it added.
Iran had repeatedly threatened to strike Israel in retaliation for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular annex and Washington had warned repeatedly in recent days that the reprisals were imminent. “Iran launched UAVs from its territory towards the territory of the state of Israel,” military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. “We are working in close cooperation with the United States and our partners in the region in order to act against the launches and intercept them,” Rear Admiral Hagari said.
Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials.
(With agency inputs)
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