Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas to convey his condolences about the loss of lives after the bombing of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Hundreds of people have died at the hospital on Monday, triggering protests across the Arab world and a string of denials from Israel, which has been blamed for the rocket attack.

Health authorities in Gaza, which is under Hamas control, said the explosion killed between 200 and 300 people at the hospital and was caused by an Israeli air strike in retaliation for the Islamist group’s October 7 attack.

“Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences at the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. Shared our deep concern at the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region. Reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue,” PM Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter, today.

This was PM Modi’s second post in support of Palestinians, whose cause has received Indian support traditionally.But lately, India and Israel have also strengthened bilateral ties, especially after PM Modi’s visit to the Jewish nation in 2017.  At the time, he did not go to Ramallah to meet the Palestinian leadership — pushing many to deduce a turning point.