India apprehends escalation of violence in West Asia

New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) India today warned of a large-scale military conflict in West Asia following the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier near Gaza on June 25 and called upon all sides to exercise restraint and re-open a dialogue for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

A spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry while strongly condemning the incident at Karem Shalom crossing near Gaza, called for the release of the Israeli soldier and said it would contribute to defuse the growing tension.

''We condemn the incident...which has provoked the threat of massive retaliatory measures by Israel. We are concerned at the real danger that the situation in the region could escalate into a large-scale military conflict,'' the spokesman said in a statement.

The release of the captured Israeli soldier would contribute to defusing the growing tension, he said adding that India condemned all acts of violence, provocative statements and actions, as well as threats and intimidation.

Calling upon all sides to observe restraint and re-open a dialogue, of which there have been some encouraging signs in recent days, the spokesman said a negotiated outcome of the long-standing conflict was the only way to ensure long-term peace, security and stability of the region.

Hamas militants kidnapped an Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit, on Sunday in Gaza during a Palestinian cross-border raid.

Two other soldiers were killed in the battle.

Hamas and two smaller groups claimed responsibility for the attack and demanded the release of Palestinian women and youths from Israeli prisons in exchange for information on the soldier.

The situation threatens to snowball into a major conflict as Israel has vowed retaliation.

UNI RB MSJ BD1807