New Delhi: Aam Admi Party ( ) on Monday urged the Indian government to take a stand on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Party, via its official account, urged the Indian government to support the cause of independence.

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@AamAadmiParty

We also call upon the government of India to support the call for an independent Palestine. We also call upon the government of India to support the call for an independent Palestine.

Expressing deep shock and outrage at Israeli airstrikes on that has claimed 172 lives so far, the Party said, " expresses its deep shock and outrage at the sustained and unprovoked attacks by Israeli armed forces on Palestinian civilians in Gaza."

The Party demanded an immediate cessation of the airstrikes on Gaza; facilitation of humanitarian aid; and deployment UN observers team to ascertain loss of life.

@AamAadmiParty

Humanitarian aid to Palestinians should be facilitated immediately, and UN observers team be sent to Gaza to ascertain loss of civilian lives. Humanitarian aid to Palestinians should be facilitated immediately, and UN observers team be sent to Gaza to ascertain loss of civilian lives.



AAP urged for ceasefire and said-

‏@AamAadmiParty

We urge upon Indian government to publicly call for ceasefire in Gaza, allow doctors, medicines and all essential goods to get access into Gaza. We urge upon Indian government to publicly call for ceasefire in Gaza, allow doctors, medicines and all essential goods to get access into Gaza.

Holding accountable for the present crisis, AAP Tweeted-

@AamAadmiParty

Israel should bear all liabilities, full responsibility for the wonton destruction and loss of life. Israel should bear all liabilities, full responsibility for the wonton destruction and loss of life.



@AamAadmiParty

Israel must compensate and pay reparation to the Palestinians for the extensive loss of civilian life and property. Israel must compensate and pay reparation to the Palestinians for the extensive loss of civilian life and property.



Israel airstrikes have so far killed 172 lives and left more than 1,230 injured, since they began seven days ago. Israel claims that the airstrikes are being carried out to defend itself from ' rocket attacks.

According to UN estimates, around 77% of the people killed in the Israeli strikes were civilians.

On Sunday, Israel issued warning to the residents of Northern Gaza asking them to seek shelter in 'safer places'. It is estimated that more than 17,000 people have been forced to flee since the conflict began one week ago.

On Monday, Israel jets bombarded three training facilities of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigade.

In an official statement, Ministry of External Affairs urged both sides to observe restraint, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza.

“India calls upon both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation, and threaten the peace and security of the region,” said the ministry statement.

Israel- being the only democratic country in the region and one of the prime suppliers of arms- is a close ally of India. On the other hand, Arab nations are a key supplier of India's energy needs. Government of India would need to tread a cautious path to maintain a balance between the two.

Massive protests were organised in various parts of India to protest against Israeli 'high-handedness'. Students in Kashmir carried out massive anti-Israel rallies in the Srinagar. Protests were also held in Delhi, in front of Israel Embassy, Hyderabad and other cities.