Mishal at Solidarity rally: Israel says good reason for India to list Hamas as terrorist group

New Delhi: The Israeli envoy to India urged the Central government to designate the Palestinian military group, Hamas, as a terrorist organization, referring to Hamas leader Khalid Mishal's virtual participation at a rally organized by the Solidarity Youth Movement in Kerala's Kozhikode to highlight the group's impact on India.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, emphasized the need for this designation during a media interaction ahead of the 'International Day of Solidarity With The People of Palestine.'

Gilon said Mishal's virtual participation was a good reason for India to consider Hamas as a terrorist group and added that Israel had provided the necessary information to support such a move.

Gilon also cited Israel's recent listing of Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terrorist organization out of their own volition and without a request from India to further persuade India to consider its request.

Gilon framed the conflict as a proxy war with Iran, alleging that various extremist groups, including Hamas, are supported and funded by Iran. He dubbed Iran as the "head of the snake," connecting it to regional activities of groups like Hezbollah, Houthis, Shia militia, and Hamas.

The ambassador disputed claims of civilian deaths made by Gazan authorities, asserting that Israeli forces had targeted Hamas.

In addition to the diplomatic request, Gilon discussed plans for worker mobility between India and Israel. Expressing Israel's interest in welcoming more Indian workers, particularly in the caregiving, construction, and agriculture sectors, he mentioned existing agreements for structured worker migration.

The ambassador also touched upon high-level visits and diplomatic engagements. Israeli President Isaac Herzog's potential meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the COP 28 Climate Change conference in Dubai was revealed, with Gilon highlighting the significance of such a meeting for strengthening bilateral ties.

Gilon acknowledged India's consistent stance against terrorism and its support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. He praised India's nuanced approach but expressed disappointment in the United Nations for failing to condemn the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

As Israel seeks India's support in designating Hamas as a terrorist organization, the diplomatic landscape between the two nations becomes increasingly complex, intertwining issues of regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and diplomatic relations.