Israel and Hamas Exchange Bodies Amid Fragile Ceasefire and Strengthened India-Israel Ties
In a significant development, Israel has returned the bodies of 45 Palestinians to their families, following a reciprocal gesture by Hamas which handed over the remains of three Israeli soldiers. This exchange comes amidst a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US, which has seen the release of captives on both sides.
The India-Israel partnership has been described as one with 'real meaning', built on 'trust and reliability'. The two nations have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in several areas, including counter-terrorism, trade, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. This decision reflects their shared commitment to a 'zero-tolerance' approach towards terrorism.
The bilateral relationship has seen significant progress recently. In September, an investment agreement was signed, and India's Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, made contact following the Hamas attacks in October 2023. The first phase of the US-backed 20-point peace plan led to a ceasefire in Gaza, providing a glimmer of hope in the long-standing conflict.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with over 67,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, losing their lives since Hamas's attacks. Despite this, India and Israel continue to explore avenues for deeper collaboration, discussing ways to enhance economic engagement and expand cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). There are currently around 40,000 Indian workers in Israel, primarily in caregiving and construction sectors.
The exchange of bodies and the strengthening of ties between India and Israel signal a potential thaw in tensions. As both nations continue to work towards peace and stability, they remain committed to fostering a robust and resilient partnership.
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