Israeli bombing in Lebanon ‘disturbing’ – India – RT India

India has described Israel’s attacks on Lebanon after the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East as “disturbing.”

On Wednesday, Israel’s attack on Beirut claimed the lives of more than 300 people, while the Jewish state refused to stop its attacks in Lebanon despite calls for a Middle East truce.

“We are deeply concerned by the reports of the high number of civilian deaths in Lebanon,” Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday. “As soldiers who contribute to UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) who are invested in the peace and security of Lebanon, the trend of events is very troubling.”

New Delhi has been emphasizing the protection of civilians as the first priority, he said.

Adhering to international law and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations is important, Jaiswal added.

“Our embassy in Lebanon remains in close contact with the Indian community for its safety and security,” the spokesman said.

Israel stepped up airstrikes across Lebanon, striking central Beirut, hours after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire.

The rise comes in a tangible way violation of truce, which negotiators said was intended to include Lebanon, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence that it does not apply.

India has not accused the US and Israel of their attacks on civilian targets or the assassination of senior Iranian leaders. New Delhi has chosen instead to express concern and offer condolences.
The South Asian nation, which has close ties to the United States, Israel, and Iran, has also ruled out mediating the conflict, but has encouraged talks between the warring parties.

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