India Expresses Deep Shock Over Gaza Deaths: Over 100 Killed

India expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in northern Gaza during the delivery of humanitarian aid, following an incident where over 100 people were killed and more than 700 injured.

In a strongly-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that such loss of civilian lives and the broader humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be a matter of extreme concern.

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India on over 100 deaths in Gaza

The MEA stated, "We are deeply shocked at the loss of lives in northern Gaza yesterday during delivery of humanitarian assistance." It added, "Such loss of civilian lives and the larger humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be a cause for extreme concern." India also reiterated its call for the safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to the people of Gaza, stating, "We reiterate our call for safe and timely delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance."

The statement made no reference to Israel. Reports indicated that more than 100 people were killed and over 700 injured when Israeli troops fired on a large crowd of Palestinians attempting to obtain food from an aid convoy in Gaza.

India has been advocating for de-escalation of the situation and the creation of conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. The incident prompted strong international reactions, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemning it strongly.

"I condemn Thursday's incident in Gaza in which more than 100 people were reportedly killed or injured while seeking life-saving aid," he stated. "The desperate civilians in Gaza need urgent help, including those in the north where the UN has not been able to deliver aid in more than a week," Guterres added.

Israel has continued its military offensive in Gaza in response to an unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas on October 7 last year. Hamas reportedly killed around 1,200 people in Israel and abducted more than 220, some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire.

According to Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, more than 29,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive.

With PTI Inputs