PM Modi speaks to Israeli counterpart as West Asia conflict escalates

New Delhi, Sep 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi shared, "Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability."

The call comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated sharply, with Israeli airstrikes continuing to target sites across Lebanon.

In the latest wave of attacks, 45 people as reported by media were killed in Ain al-Delb, south of the capital Beirut, raising the death toll in Lebanon to 136 over the past 24 hours quoting local authorities.

The violence has claimed over 1,000 lives in Lebanon in the past two weeks, with nearly a million people displaced amid ongoing clashes.

Hizbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, warned that the militant group is prepared for a potential Israeli ground invasion, following the assassination of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. In his first public remarks since the attack, Qassem stated that Hezbollah is ready for a long battle, if necessary.

Israel’s strikes come amid heightened fears of a broader regional escalation. While Hizbollah has maintained that it is ready for any ground offensive, both sides are engaged in heavy retaliatory attacks. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with growing displacement and infrastructure destruction in southern Lebanon.