Telangana (India) [India], November 28 (HBTV): Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, spoke to ANI about Hamas, Israel's efforts to neutralise terrorists, and how Hamas is exploiting aid meant for Palestinians.

The conflict in Gaza reignited after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, when approximately 2,500 terrorists breached the border from the Gaza Strip, killing more than 1,200 people, including citizens from over 30 countries, and taking 250 hostages. Following the attack, Israel launched a counter-offensive to eliminate Hamas.

Ambassador Reuven Azar stated that Israel has dealt significant blows to Hamas. 'We have neutralised all the battalions of Hamas and eliminated the missile threat against Israel from Gaza. Now, we must focus on bringing back the remaining hostages, while continuing to prevent Hamas from rearming or regrouping,' Azar explained.

He noted that Israel is working on two fronts within Gaza: neutralising Hamas and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian population. 'We are putting military pressure on Hamas to prevent them from rearming and regrouping, while simultaneously facilitating aid for the Palestinian people,' Azar said.

A significant challenge, according to the Ambassador, is that Hamas is hijacking the humanitarian assistance intended for Palestinians. 'Instead of distributing aid freely, Hamas is charging money to the population, continuing to exert control over Gaza,' Azar explained. He stated that Israel will make necessary decisions to ensure that the Palestinian people receive the aid they need, expressing a desire for a future of hope for Palestinians in Gaza.

Ambassador Azar also acknowledged the role of the US in brokering the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, thanking the US for its aid to Israel. 'This aid will help us prepare for future scenarios, particularly concerning Iran,' he added.

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah, in support of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza, attacked Israeli-controlled territory. The resulting tit-for-tat border attacks escalated into a significant military offensive by Israel. A ceasefire was later brokered by the US and France, aimed at securing Israel from threats posed by Hezbollah and other terrorist groups operating in Lebanon.

(ANI)