India is in touch with both Israel and Palestinians in the wake of escalation of violence in the Middle East, which New Delhi said was a cause of concern. ''Any escalation of violence is a cause of concern to us, an external affairs ministry spokesperson said when asked about the Israeli missile attack on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's premises in Gaza.
She said India was in touch with its ambassador in Israel Raminder Singh Jassal.
Asked whether India has contacted the Palestine authority, she said New Delhi was in constant touch with them. New Delhi's condemnation of Sunday's attacks was conveyed by external affairs minister Jaswant Singh during a telephonic conversation with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.
We urge all parties to show restraint and to take urgent steps towards normalisation in the region, Singh had told Peres.
Bureau Report