India on Monday condemned the killing of innocent civilians in an "unprovoked attack" by Israeli forces in Gaza on Friday and said the escalation of tension triggered by the incident could have "negative implications" on the already volatile and fragile situation in the region.
New Delhi urged all sides to desist from starting a new spiral of violence and counter-violence.
"India condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, in Gaza by Israeli defence forces in an unprovoked attack on Friday," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said in New Delhi.
"The end of the ceasefire and the escalation of tensions that this tragic incident has triggered could have negative implications on the already volatile and fragile situation in the region," he said.
The spokesman emphasised India's firm conviction that there can only be a peaceful negotiated resolution to the Palestinian problem that results in the establishment of a sovereign, viable, independent state of Palestine living in peace and prosperity within secure borders in peaceful co-existence with Israel.
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