New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) On Friday, India voiced its profound concern regarding the reports of civilian casualties in Lebanon, highlighting that the trajectory of recent events is indeed alarming.

During an inter-ministerial briefing concerning the latest developments in West Asia in New Delhi, Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, urged for strict adherence to international law while advocating for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. He confirmed that the Indian Embassy is actively communicating with the Indian community residing in Lebanon.

"We are extremely troubled by the accounts of numerous civilian deaths in Lebanon. As a contributor of troops to the UNIFIL, dedicated to Lebanon's peace and security, the unfolding situation is quite concerning. India has consistently prioritized the protection of civilians. Upholding international law and respecting national sovereignty is paramount. Our Embassy in Lebanon is in constant contact with the Indian community to ensure their safety," Jaiswal emphasized.

As per the MEA spokesperson, approximately 1,000 Indian nationals are currently in Lebanon.

This statement follows the initiation of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on Wednesday, with peace discussions set to commence on Saturday. However, Israel has clarified that the ceasefire does not encompass military actions in Lebanon.

On April 8, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office expressed backing for the US's decision to halt strikes on Iran, while also indicating that the two-week truce does not apply to military operations in Lebanon.

Shortly after the temporary ceasefire was declared between the US and Iran, Israel reported striking Hezbollah with a significant assault, claiming to have hit "100 targets in 10 minutes," with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that Lebanon was excluded from the ceasefire agreement.

Reuven Azar, the Israeli Ambassador to India, stated on Thursday that Tehran is more vulnerable than ever, with its missile production capabilities thoroughly dismantled. He affirmed that Israel will persist in countering the threats posed by Hezbollah.

"Our position is quite clear, and the American administration has corroborated this. We were subjected to unilateral attacks by Hezbollah, which not only contravenes this ceasefire but also violates agreements established last year. They were supposed to be disarmed by the Lebanese government, but that has not occurred. Therefore, we are compelled to defend ourselves, particularly our border communities, which have faced substantial attacks from Iranian missiles and anti-tank weaponry," Azar conveyed in an exclusive interview with IANS.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that while operations against Iran have ceased, it will continue targeted ground operations against Hezbollah.

"Following directives from the political leadership, the IDF has halted fire against Iran while remaining prepared to respond defensively to any transgressions. Recently, the IDF executed a series of extensive strikes targeting missile launch sites across Iran to significantly diminish its launching capabilities. Concurrently, in Lebanon, the IDF will maintain its targeted ground operations against Hezbollah. The IDF is committed to operating on all fronts to protect Israel," the IDF stated on X.