New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) The Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, honored the memories of those lost in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, describing it as an "assault on humanity". He reaffirmed Israel's dedication to collaborating with India in the fight against terrorism in all its manifestations.

In a video message circulated on X, Azar indicated that the assault affected individuals from all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths. He articulated that Israel empathizes with the anguish of losing innocent lives to terrorism, underscoring the need to resist with courage, clarity, and determination.

"As India commemorates the grim anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, I and the people of Israel stand united with you, the citizens of India, just as we did on that fateful day and every year since. The events of 26/11 were not just an attack on Mumbai; they were an assault on humanity," Azar stated.

"This incident targeted individuals from every community, nationality, and faith, both Indians and Israelis. Sadly, Israel is familiar with this sorrow. We understand the pain of losing innocent lives to terrorism, and we recognize the necessity of standing firm with courage, clarity, and determination," he continued.

Azar emphasized that the shared experiences of India and Israel lay the groundwork for their "deep and enduring partnership".

"Today, we honor the victims of 26/11. We pay tribute to the courageous officers, security personnel, and first responders who selflessly protected the city, and we extend our solidarity to the families whose lives were irrevocably altered," he expressed.

Reiterating that Israel "is and will always remain" committed to joining forces with India to combat terrorism in all its forms, the ambassador stated, "As we reflect on the events of 26/11, we reaffirm our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the unyielding belief that life must always triumph over hatred. India, you are not isolated; Israel stands with you now and always."

Earlier, France's Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, also honored the victims of the terror attacks, reiterating France's condemnation of terrorism and expressing support for India's struggle against it.

"In commemorating the 17th anniversary of the horrific 26/11 attacks, France pays homage to the victims' memories. France asserts its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and stands in solidarity with India in combating this menace," Mathou shared on X.

The 26/11 attacks, recognized as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, comprised a sequence of 12 coordinated terrorist attacks that transpired from November 26 to 29 and were executed by 10 members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terror organization based in Pakistan.

Multiple sites across South Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House, Colaba Causeway, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, were targeted during these attacks.

A total of 175 individuals lost their lives, including nine of the ten attackers, 26 foreign nationals, and 20 security personnel. One of the attackers, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive and later executed.