Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 8 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday joined Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led protest over the situation in Gaza and expressed deep concerns over the ongoing Israeli strikes, calling it a global concern.

Calling the situation a 'humanitarian' issue, Stalin emphasised that a halt should be put to the operations, and described them as a violation of the UN agreements.

Speaking to the media, Stalin said, 'We should not see the Gaza strike by Israel as an issue between other countries. It must be seen as a humanitarian issue...All arrested must be released...I condemn the attack against the Gaza people and appeal immediately to stop the strike by Israel...The Israeli strikes against Gaza are worrisome not only to us but also globally... the striking act against the UN agreement should be stopped immediately by Israel...'

Citing the death count in Gaza, the Chief Minister said that the conditions were heart-wrenching, and appealed to the Indian government to take steps to put a complete halt to the strike and for peace.

'Last year, 11 thousand women and 17 thousand children, 125 journalists and 120 UN officials died. 27 thousand children have lost their parents... the majority of Gaza's land has been destroyed, and people are still protesting there. Israel also shot down hungry Palestinians who were seeking food... the heart pains seeing all of this... Israel should immediately stop the attack. The Indian BJP-led Union government should take steps to pressure Israel to stop the strike immediately and to bring peace in Gaza....' Stalin further stated.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed progress in peace efforts in Gaza and called the indications of the release of hostages a significant step forward.

In his remarks, he emphasised that India would continue to 'strongly support' all efforts towards a lasting peace. He also appreciated US President Donald Trump's leadership.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, 'We welcome President Trump's leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace.'

White House on Monday (local time) released a peace plan to end the two-year-old Gaza conflict following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The peace plan included that Gaza will be a deradicalised, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours and will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

The peace plan stated that If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal. (ANI)