Israel to continue working with India to defeat terrorism: Envoy

New Delhi: Marking the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken into Gaza, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, vowed his nation's continued cooperation with India in the fight against terrorism.

Addressing a remembrance gathering on Wednesday, Azar said Israel had fought the attack "with resolve and prevailed".

"Today we commemorate three years since October 7, 2023, when the most atrocious terrorist attack against our nation was launched by Hamas terrorists. Israel fought with resolve and prevailed," Azar said.


"We will continue to work together hand in hand, Israelis and Indians, to defeat terrorism while cherishing our heritage, democratic values, entrepreneurial spirit and quest for stability, prosperity and peace," he said.

The gathering at The Ashok Hotel in Chanakyapuri brought together members of the diplomatic community and public life to remember the victims and stand in solidarity with their families.

Former MP and Namaste Shalom founder Tarun Vijay and Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar of the Judah Hyam Synagogue also addressed the gathering.

Former minister of state for external affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi, expressed solidarity with Israel on behalf of the people of India and paid tribute to those killed in the attacks.

"On this solemn anniversary of the horrific October 7 attacks, I pay heartfelt homage to the brave souls of Israel whose lives were extinguished by unmitigated barbarism," Lekhi said.

The commemorative programme included a remembrance film, candle-lighting and flower-laying ceremonies.

Over the three-year war that followed the October 7 attacks, the Gaza health ministry reports that more than 74,200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. PTI