The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have appealed to India to officially designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation, stressing the need for a clear and unified global position against terrorism.
The request comes at a time when the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to dominate international geopolitical discussions.
According to The Print, IDF’s International Spokesperson Lt Colonel Nadav Shoshani said that it would be a positive step if India declared Hamas a terror outfit.
He noted that India and Israel face a common enemy and that a clear statement would help define who they are combating on the global stage.
His remarks underline Israel’s expectation for greater diplomatic alignment from one of its closest strategic partners.
India has not yet formally designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation under its domestic laws, even though it has strongly condemned the attacks carried out by the group, including the October 2023 assault that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians.
India was among the first nations to denounce the attack and express solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism.
Despite its condemnation of Hamas’s violent actions, New Delhi maintains its long-standing support for a two-state solution and humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine.
India also ensures that aid is routed only through the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or international agencies, without any direct contact with Hamas.
While several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and members of the European Union have already classified Hamas as a terrorist organisation, India continues to balance strategic ties with Israel and its historical diplomatic relationship with Palestine.
Any decision to proscribe Hamas under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) would require a formal legal process involving multiple security and intelligence assessments.
As tensions in Gaza persist, Israel’s push for clear international support adds a new dimension to India’s foreign policy stance.
The matter may emerge on the agenda of future diplomatic dialogues and parliamentary discussions as pressure mounts for a definitive stand.
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