Palestinian Ambassador Skeptical About Ceasefire with Israel

Palestinian Ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Alhaija, expressed doubt over achieving a ceasefire with Israel under the current government, citing Israeli resistance. He highlighted India's call for peace and the broader international consensus urging a truce while stressing the extreme stance of Netanyahu's administration.

New Delhi — Adnan Abu Alhaija, the Palestinian Ambassador to India, expressed skepticism about the possibility of a ceasefire with Israel under the current government. He emphasized that both Israelis and their government have consistently refused such efforts.

Alhaija pointed out that even the United States has consistently defended Israel. "All the people, even the United States, have defended Israel. The international arena calls Israel for a ceasefire, but Israelis and this extreme government (Netanyahu) are refusing the ceasefire," he stated.

Regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Alhaija said, "I am sure India is also calling for ceasefire... Even in the United Nations, I don't know what exactly PM Modi has said but I am sure he was talking about ceasefire in the area and stop any kind of escalating in the area." Modi has reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability in West Asia.

In a post on X, PM Modi asserted, "Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability."

Alhaija also commented on the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, arguing that Nasrallah defended Lebanon and the Lebanese against the "criminal regime of Netanyahu." Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) precision strike. Netanyahu had described Nasrallah as "the main engine of Iran's axis of evil," noting, "If someone rises up to kill you, kill him first."

In October last year, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas after hundreds of Hamas militants crossed into Israeli borders, killing over 1200 people and taking over 250 hostages, with 100 still in captivity. The conflict has escalated, with Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Israel and other regional countries, while Israel continued strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Global powers have called for a ceasefire and a two-state solution for lasting peace. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)