West Asia war could flare up into regional conflict, warns PM

New Delhi, Nov 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday raised a warning on the Israel-Hamas conflict escalating into a regional confrontation while noting that a permanent solution needed to be found following the two-state approach.

Expressing concern over the prevailing insecurity and instability in West Asia at the G20 virtual summit, the Prime Minister said there was zero tolerance for terrorism among the member countries and the loss of innocent lives, especially children and women, was unacceptable and condemnable.

The virtual summit marks the end of India’s G20 presidency, which has now been passed to Brazil. It was also the first gathering of world leaders after the outbreak of the conflict in West Asia.

At the concluding session, the Prime Minister stressed on a two-state solution to end the festering Israel-Palestine dispute. “A permanent solution to the Israel-Palestine issue is needed following the two-state approach. Restoration of regional peace and stability is necessary,” he said.

Later briefing the media, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said several leaders spoke on the Israel-Hamas conflict at the virtual G20 meeting with calls made for extending timely humanitarian assistance, not allowing the violence to spread and to find a long-term solution to the Palestine issue.

Asked about the two state solution, the Foreign Minister said many countries spoke on it but there was no consensus.

The Prime Minister welcomed the news about the release of hostages and expressed the hope that they would be set free soon. Humanitarian aid should be delivered effectively and safely as soon as possible, he said.

"It is necessary to ensure timely and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid. It is also necessary to ensure that the war between Israel and Hamas does not escalate into a regional conflict," Modi said in his opening remarks.

Diplomacy and dialogue are the only means to defuse territorial-political tensions, he said, referring to one of the seven points of agreement among the leaders.

The G20 is ready to offer all possible assistance on these issues, he said, noting that the world leaders shared views on the socio-economic impact of the global situation besides its development agenda.

The virtual summit of Leaders of G20 countries was attended by Brazilian President Luiz In cio Lula da Silva, UAE President Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, among others.

"Our coming together shows that we are sensitive to all issues and standing together for their solution. We believe that terrorism is unacceptable to us... There is zero tolerance to terrorism. Death of civilians, wherever it may be, is condemnable.

Jaishankar said the leaders condemned terrorism and expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives. “They also call for extending timely and adequate humanitarian assistance, not allowing the conflict to spread and to find a long term solution to the Palestine issue," Jaishankar said.

The G20 members welcomed the understanding reached on the release of hostages, on the flow of relief material to Gaza and some pause in the fighting, he said. "Overall there was a strong sentiment expressed by the leaders to ensure implementation of the commitments which were agreed to at Delhi," he said.