NEW DELHI: Amid outrage over the latest Israeli strikes on Lebanon, India on Friday expressed deep concern over the large number of civilian casualties in aerial attacks that followed the two-week US-Iran ceasefire announced on Wednesday. The attacks left over 300 dead, according to reports from the region. As a troop-contributing country to UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which is invested in Lebanon’s peace and security, the direction of events is very disturbing, said the ministry of external affairs in response to media queries. The ministry did not name Israel. The ceasefire has come under strain because of confusi-on over whether Lebanon is included in the deal. While Israel maintains it is not, Iran has described the attacks as a blatant violation of the agreement. “India has always emphasised the protection of civilians as the foremost priority. Observing international law and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is essential,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, adding that the Indian embassy in Lebanon remained in close touch with the Indian community for its safety and security. India had welcomed the temporary ceasefire, expressing hope that it would facilitate freedom of navigation through Strait of Hormuz and lead to lasting peace in the region. Pakistan seemed set to host talks between the US and Iran on Saturday to secure the ceasefire, which remains fragile for now. On his way to Pakistan, US Vice-President J D Vance said he was looking forward to the negotiations that he thought were going to be positive. However, he warned Tehran not to “play” the US. “As the President of the US said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” said Vance. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel was ready to start negotiations with Lebanon for disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations.
