India objects to military action by Israel

NEW DELHI: Objecting to military action by Israel in response to abduction of a soldier by Hamas militant group, India on Monday said it would contribute to deterioration of the existing humanitarian crisis.

New Delhi's concerns have been conveyed to Israeli Ambassador David Danieli by Rajiv Sikri, Secretary (East) in the External Affairs Ministry.

"We regret that Israel should have chosen to give a military response to the capture of an Israeli soldier" about ten days back "rather than afford time and opportunity for diplomatic action to resolve the matter," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

He said the actions of the Israeli forces, such as the bombing of a power plant and several bridges in Gaza, have affected the lives of ordinary citizens.

"This will only contribute to a deterioration of the already-existing humanitarian crisis there," Sarna said.

Hamas militants tunneled into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip June 25 to launch a brazen pre-dawn attack, killing two of its four-man crew and kidnapping its gunner.

Earlier, India last week condemned the militant attack on the Israeli post and expressed concern over the possibility of the incident leading to a large-scale military conflict.

It asked all sides to observe restraint, underlining that a negotiated outcome of the long-standing conflict is the only way to ensure long-term peace, security and stability of the region.