India calls for release of abducted Israeli soldier

Middle East News

India calls for release of abducted Israeli soldier

New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) India Tuesday called for the release of an Israeli soldier who was abducted from near Gaza and urged all parties to 're-open' a dialogue for the re-establishment of 'long-term peace' in the region.

'We condemn the incident at Kerem Shalom crossing near Gaza on June 25, which has provoked the threat of massive retaliatory measures by Israel,' external affairs ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said in a statement.

'We are concerned about the real danger that the situation in the region could escalate into a large-scale military conflict,' he added.

Condemning 'all acts of violence, provocative statements and actions, as well as threats and intimidation', New Delhi called upon all sides to 'observe restraint, and re-open a dialogue' to establish peace in the region.

'It is our firm belief that a negotiated outcome of the long-standing conflict is the only way to ensure long-term peace, security and stability of the region,' the spokesperson said. He stressed that the release of the abducted Israeli soldier would contribute to defusing tension in the region.

Meanwhile, Israel has hardened its posture on the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit and warned the Palestinian's ruling Hamas group that the 'sky will fall on them' if they harm the captured soldier.

Israel also categorically ruled out any negotiation with the militants even as the government cleared a military incursion into northern Gaza, the Maariv newspaper reported.

Hamas has accused Israel of launching the offensive to topple its three-month-old government, which has been starved of all aid by the Jewish state and Western governments on the grounds that the group had not renounced violence and was yet to recognize Israel.

Responding to a letter written by Communist Party of India (CPI) MPs to express concern over the situation in the region, Israeli ambassador to India David Danieli called the abduction a 'terrorist act' and asserted that Hamas could not claim 'political privileges and immunities of an elected government without accepting the responsibilities that go with it'.

'Detained members of Hamas will be dealt with in accordance with criminal procedures at court, on the basis of the evidence of their involvement in terrorist activities,' he said underlining that the Israeli response was 'an act of legitimate self-defence.'

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India calls for release of abducted Israeli soldier