Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Expresses Solidarity with India
Ramallah (West Bank):
In a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack that struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, killing 26 innocent tourists. The attack, carried out by militants, has left the nation in shock and grief, and the international community has united in expressing their solidarity with India during this tragic time.
Abbas’s letter expressed deep sorrow over the “heinous act” and offered full support for India’s security and stability. “We have followed with sorrow the news of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of and injured dozens of innocent civilian tourists as a result of a criminal shooting in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir,” Abbas wrote.
The letter, which serves as both a formal condemnation and an expression of solidarity, further reads: “We strongly condemn and denounce this heinous act and affirm our support for India in preserving its security and stability. We extend to Your Excellency, to your friendly people, and to the families of the victims our heartfelt condolences.” Abbas continued, “We pray for mercy and peace for the departed, a speedy recovery for the injured, and continued prosperity and well-being for India and its people.”
This condemnation from Palestinian leadership comes as part of a broader international response to the brutal attack. Palestinian solidarity with India is notable, as it further strengthens the global condemnation of terrorist acts targeting civilians and serves as a reminder of the shared global commitment to combating terrorism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed solidarity with India following the attack. On Thursday, Netanyahu personally called PM Modi to condemn the Pahalgam terror attacks. He strongly denounced the attack and conveyed Israel’s support for the victims’ families and India’s security efforts. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to fighting terrorism globally and stressed the importance of international cooperation in eradicating such threats.
In addition to Netanyahu’s personal communication, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, also spoke out against the attack. Azar drew a stark comparison between the Pahalgam terror attack and the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel, noting disturbing similarities between the two incidents. Both attacks targeted innocent civilians in a deliberate and calculated manner, underscoring the global threat posed by terrorist groups.
“There are growing signs of coordination among terrorist organizations,” Azar stated, warning about the increasing interconnectedness of these extremist groups. He further drew parallels with the Hamas-led strike that killed over 1,100 people in Israel, stressing the similarities in tactics, including the deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians. Azar’s remarks were a call for the international community to recognize the global nature of such threats and collaborate to prevent future attacks.
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has taken several significant diplomatic and security measures, including actions targeting Pakistan. The Indian government suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), which previously allowed certain categories of Pakistani nationals to travel more freely between the two nations. The suspension of this scheme is seen as a direct response to the growing concerns over cross-border terrorism.
Additionally, India has closed the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, marking the end of one of the last remaining overland trade and travel routes between India and Pakistan. This decision has deepened the already tense relations between the two countries, especially in the wake of the ongoing insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.
In one of the most significant moves, India has also announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a bilateral agreement that governs the sharing of the Indus River’s waters between India and Pakistan. The decision to suspend the treaty, which had been in effect for over six decades, marks a dramatic shift in India’s approach to its relationship with Pakistan. The Indus Waters Treaty was one of the few remaining examples of cooperation between the two nations, and its suspension signals India’s frustration with the ongoing issue of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s perceived inaction in addressing militant groups operating from its soil.
The attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent international response highlight the growing concern over terrorism and the increasing involvement of international actors in addressing the issue. Countries like Israel, Palestine, and others are emphasizing the need for a coordinated global effort to combat terrorism, underscoring the importance of unity in tackling a threat that transcends borders.
As India grapples with the aftermath of this brutal attack, it continues to receive support from the international community, which stands in solidarity with its fight against terrorism. The diplomatic measures taken by India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack are expected to further reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region, while strengthening India’s resolve in securing its borders and fighting extremism.
