India expresses deep concern over loss of lives in Rafah

India on Thursday expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives in the displacement camp in Rafah and called for the protection of the civilian population and respect for international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict.

"The heartbreaking loss of civilian lives in the displacement camp in Rafah is a matter of deep concern. We have consistently called for the protection of the civilian population and respect for international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict," MEA spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal said, noting that the Israeli side has already accepted responsibility and announced an investigation into the incident.

Jaiswal also reaffirmed its long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following the recent recognition of Palestine by Ireland, Norway, and Spain.

When asked about the coordinated decision by Spain, Ireland, and Norway to formally recognise Palestine, Jaiswal said, "As you are aware, India was one of the first countries to recognise the state of Palestine in the late 1980s, and we have long supported a two-state solution which entails the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and independent state of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace."

Even as India backed Israel following the October 7 terror attacks, New Delhi remains concerned over disproportionate use of force by Israel.

The European nations hoped their recognition of Palestine will galvanise international efforts towards peace. "We had wanted to recognise Palestine at the end of a peace process. However, we have made this move alongside Spain and Norway to keep the miracle of peace alive," Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement, urging Israel to "stop the humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.

Norway's foreign minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the move as "a special day for Norway-Palestine relations" while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said recognition was "essential" for peace.

No condemnation enough: Farooq

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah said that no condemnation is enough for the massacre being carried out by the Israeli army in Rafah.

"Such brute aggression and genocidal acts targeted against civilians including children are a gross violation of international humanitarian law. Israel should heed to the calls of the international community to cease its attacks on innocent people in Gaza especially in Rafah," said Abdullah.

The National Conference leader urged the Government of India to show steadfast dedication to the cause of Palestine and extend humanitarian assistance to the war-torn people there.

Objective view emerging on Lahore Pact in pak: MEA

Days after former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif admitted that Islamabad had violated the Lahore pact, India on Thursday said an objective view is emerging on the issue in the neighbouring country. "You are aware of our position on the issue. I need not have to reiterate that. We note that there is an objective view emerging in Pakistan as well on this matter," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Sharif on Tuesday said Islamabad had "violated" an agreement with India signed by him and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999, in an apparent reference to the Kargil misadventure by General Pervez Musharraf.