Israeli Ambassador Highlights Terror Ties Between Hamas and Pakistani Groups
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Synopsis
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar expresses concerns about Hamas leaders meeting with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. He emphasizes the threat posed by these networks of terrorist organizations and highlights India's decisive actions against cross-border terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Reuven Azar warns of ties between Hamas and Pakistani groups.
- Hamas leaders met with JeM and LeT in PoK.
- India commemorates the Balakot airstrike.
- VHP claims ISI's role in the terror alliance.
- Israel responds to the October 7 attack with military action.
New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) Reuven Azar, the Israeli Ambassador to India, raised alarms regarding reports of Hamas leaders convening with members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this month.
"Regrettably, terrorist organizations operate in networks, often finding ways to support one another, which poses threats to many nations, not just our region," Azar stated in an exclusive interview with IANS.
"The recent meeting a couple of weeks ago, where Hamas leaders gathered in Pakistani-controlled areas of Kashmir, indicates how these terrorist groups are motivating each other... They seem to be collaborating to achieve their shared objective of instilling fear in us and in others. This is a matter we must consider seriously," he added.
On the same day, India commemorates the sixth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which targeted JeM camps in PoK, where operatives were trained for suicide missions and lethal attacks.
This airstrike was part of India's strategy against cross-border terrorism following the devastating Pulwama terror attack in 2019, showcasing the country's readiness to take firm action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
Numerous leaders have expressed their concerns regarding Pakistan's involvement with terrorist organizations that incite unrest in the region, particularly after Hamas Commander Khaled al-Qaddoumi and other Pakistani terrorists were seen during a rally in PoK.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal asserted that Pakistan's Intelligence agency ISI plays a crucial role in this terror alliance.
Israel's ongoing extensive offensive against Hamas is also a response to the deadly attack executed by the terror group on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 250 hostages.
On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized that the government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is open to extending the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in return for the release of additional hostages.
"We do not dismiss the possibility of prolonging the temporary ceasefire if more hostages are released," Sa'ar stated during a series of "personal meetings" with his European Union counterparts during his diplomatic visit to Brussels.
Sa'ar clarified that any extension of the temporary ceasefire will be contingent upon the release of hostages.
"We are dedicated to ensuring the release of our hostages and fulfilling the objectives of the ongoing conflict that we have set forth."
