Israel, Iran war: India says deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties in Lebanon

New Delhi: India is "deeply concerned" by reports of civilian casualties in Lebanon, the Indian foreign ministry said on Friday, two days after Israel's worst bombardment ‌in ⁠its war ⁠with Lebanon killed more than 300 people.

Israel invaded Lebanon last month in pursuit of Hezbollah after the group fired into Israel in support of Iran, as the U.S.-Israel ⁠war on ‌Iran raged.

"India has always emphasized the protection of civilians as ⁠the foremost priority. Observing international law, and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is essential," India's foreign ministry said in a statement.


India and Israel have close ties and Indian Prime ‌Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel days before the war broke out.

Israeli strikes on ⁠Lebanon this week are straining a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran as the two countries prepare to hold talks in Pakistan's Islamabad to settle their conflict.