Israel v/s Hamas | Business Upturn

US puts pressure on Israel to restore communications in Gaza

United News of India (UNI) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:51:54 +0000

Washington, Oct 30 : The United States has put pressure on the Israeli government to restore communications in the Gaza Strip, The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing a senior US official.

A communications blackout has been reported in the Palestinian exclave since Friday night when the Israel Defence Forces announced the expansion of ground operations in Gaza.

The breakdown in communications disrupted emergency services and cut off contact with the UN staff delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the Gaza Strip’s civil defence confirmed the partial restoration of communications in the region.

“We made it clear they had to be turned back on,” the official told the newspaper.

The official added that the Israelis did not explain to Washington why they cut off communications in the Gaza Strip, the report read.

Later on Monday, the White House confirmed reports that the US government worked with the Israeli side to restore communications in Gaza.

“The restoration of communications in Gaza was critical.

Aid workers, civilians, and journalists need to be able to communicate to each other and the rest of the world.

Our Administration cared about this, worked on it, and are glad to see it restored,” the White House said on X.

On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighbouring Israeli communities.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than two million people, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.

The blockade was later eased to allow trucks with humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured on both sides.

Israeli ‘Balloons of Hope’ campaign soars with messages of solidarity amidst conflict

Mahita Jain — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 11:24:37 +0000

The Embassy of Israel in India has expressed solidarity with the families of hostages held by Hamas through the “Balloons of Hope: Bring the Hostages Home” campaign. In a video shared on the microblogging site ‘X,’ two women were seen releasing 229 blue and white balloons.

These balloons symbolize the wish for the safe return of the hostages who have been held since the October 7 assault. It’s a poignant display of support for those affected by this crisis.

In a related development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful targeting of Rateb Abu Sahiban, the commander of Hamas’ naval forces in the Gaza City Brigade, in an overnight airstrike. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesman, confirmed that the military is progressing through the stages of the conflict in Gaza, with ground forces actively involved in operations within the Gaza Strip.

These actions by Israel, both in terms of expressing solidarity and its military efforts, underscore the seriousness with which the situation is being addressed. The campaign and the military operations reflect Israel’s commitment to resolving the crisis and ensuring the safety of those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Those against terrorism are with us, says Israeli ambassador to India

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:37:09 +0000

New Delhi, Oct 25 : Appreciating India’s support against military operations against Hamas in Gaza, Israeli ambassador Naor Gilon on Wednesday said that all the countries against terrorism are with Israel.

“Those who are against terrorism and see Israel as fighting terrorism are with us. Those who felt uncomfortable (are) not with us because they were not with us also to start with,” Gilon said here today during a press conference.

The Israeli ambassador said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn Hamas’s attack on Israel early this month.

Gilon termed India as a very important moral voice in the world and said that most key countries are with Israel in the fight against Hamas.

Emphasizing the need to destroy and dismantle Hamas, the ambassador said that if it seemed that Hamas is winning against Israel there would be the risk of unrest caused by other terrorist oganisations.

“Which is why Hamas needs to be stopped,” he said.

Gilon noted that Israel was determined to finish Hamas as it was important for its survival in the Middle East.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, Israel has launched full-scale war against the militant organisation and has been conducting targeted air strikes in Gaza. It is also preparing for ground operations and could enter the Hamas-controlled territory anytime soon.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: India sends humanitarian aid to Palestine from IAF C-17 flight

Shreyansh Raghuvanshi — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:21:52 +0000

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Amidst of the ongoing war between Hamas terrorists and Israel, the Indian government took the step of providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people of war struck Gaza, days after PM Modi’s call to the Palestinian President on Thursday. The aid material includes essential life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets among other necessary items.

Arindam Bagchi, the Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, took to social media platform X and informed that an IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine has departs for Egypt. He wrote: “India sends Humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine! An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt. The material includes essential life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, water purification tablets among other necessary items.”

🇮🇳 sends Humanitarian aid to the people of 🇵🇸!

An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt.

The material includes essential life-saving medicines,… pic.twitter.com/28XI6992Ph

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 22, 2023

Earlier, on October 19, PM Modi had a talk with Palestinian President, after which PM Modi wrote on X: “Spoke to the President of the Palestinian Authority H.E. Mahmoud Abbas. Conveyed my condolences for the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We will continue to send humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Shared our deep concern about the terrorism, violence and deteriorating security situation in the region. Reiterated India’s long-standing principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue.”

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,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2023

Over the delay of the Humanitarian aid, Walid Mahmoud, (freelance photojournalist and activist based in Gaza) took to X to express his feelings: “Humanitarian aid delayed for 15 days, while military supplies to Israel arrive in less than 24 hours.” further he satirically wrote “Thanks for your humanity.”

Humanitarian aid delayed for 15 days, while military supplies to Israel arrive in less than 24 hours.
Thanks for your humanity.

— Walid Mahmoud 🇵🇸 (@walidmahmodrouk) October 21, 2023

The Israel-Palestine conflict is since 1948.

Egypt holds summit on de-escalating armed conflict in Gaza

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 11:54:53 +0000

Cairo, Oct 21 : An international peace summit kicked off Saturday at Egypt’s new administrative capital east of Cairo, where heads of state and ministers from several countries are discussing ways to de-escalate the ongoing Israel-Hamas armed conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Dubbed the Cairo Summit for Peace, the conference was called by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to address de-escalating the conflict in Gaza, pursue a ceasefire, and seek a resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict via a “two-state solution.”

The summit is attended by some 30 Arab and Western leaders including the Palestinian president, the king of Jordan, the emir of Qatar, the president of the United Arab Emirates, the Italian prime minister, the Spanish prime minister, the Greek prime minister, the Cypriot president, and the Canadian prime minister.

The president of the European Council, the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the United Nations secretary-general and the special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue are also attending.

Since October 7, Hamas and Israel have engaged in a bloody confrontation, leading to more than 5,000 deaths on both sides.

UK PM affirms support for Israel’s ‘self-defence’ amidst geo-political conflict

Mahita Jain — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:56:57 +0000

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a strong statement, saying that the United Kingdom fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself. He mentioned that Israel should follow international laws while doing so. This was said during a press conference in Jerusalem, where they discussed how Israel is dealing with the group Hamas.

Sunak, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized that the UK fully supports Israel’s pursuit of self-defense measures within the bounds of international law. The statement echoed a commitment to the right of nations to protect their citizens and sovereignty, framing Israel’s actions as a just response to the challenges posed by Hamas. The Prime Minister explained the clear goals for Israel’s defense, like getting back hostages, stopping more attacks, and making the country safer for the long run. By underlining the importance of following international laws, the UK aimed to show support for legal and ethical actions in resolving conflicts.

“Hamas are the new Nazis, they are the new ISIS and we have to fight them together, just as the world, the civilised world united to fight the Nazis. This is not merely our battle, but the battle of the entire civilised world,” Netanyahu said. He did this to make the conflict seem bigger than just a local issue, suggesting it’s a worldwide fight against forces seen as threats to civilized societies. Netanyahu wanted more countries to support Israel by using historical examples where everyone worked together against big threats.

The joint press conference featuring Rishi Sunak and Benjamin Netanyahu provided a platform for the UK to affirm its robust support for Israel’s right to defend itself. The statements made by both leaders underscored the gravity of the situation, framing it not only as a regional conflict but as a broader struggle against perceived existential threats to civilized society. The diplomatic interactions between the UK and Israel showcased a commitment to solidarity, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in navigating complex geopolitical challenges.

‘We both have Congress DNA’: Supriya Sule replies to Himanta Biswa Sarma over Israel-Palestine conflict

Uddeshya Thakur — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:18:24 +0000

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who’s known for his viral remarks, is once again in limelight because of his statement over NCR chief Sharad Pawar. When Assam CM Sarma was asked about Sharad Pawar’s opinion on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, he said, “I think Sharad Pawar will send Supriya Madam to Gaza to fight for Hamas.”

These comments of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma came a few days after Sharad Pawar said that the former Prime Minister of India also “stood strongly with Palestine”. Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support to Israel as ‘unfortunate’, Shadar Pawar had said that he has ignored the real issue.

“We both share same DNA”: Supriya Sule

Now, NCP MP Supriya Sule has given a strong reaction to this statement of Sarma. Supriya Sule said that BJP’s behaviour is unfair towards women.

NCP MP and Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule replied to Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement, “I am surprised because Himanta Biswa Sarma also has the same DNA as me. He is from Congress, and we both have Congress DNA in us. You know that BJP’s behaviour is unfair towards women, but I had expectations from Himanta Biswa Sarma. I am surprised how his thinking towards women has changed. It seems that BJP has had too much influence on him. BJP IT cell should first understand what Sharad Pawar has said, and they should listen to his (Sharad Pawar) complete statement.”

https://twitter.com/news24tvchannel/status/1714927045266882731

Sharad Pawar supported Palestine

Sharad Pawar had said, “The entire land belongs to Palestine and Israel has occupied their land. That place, land and house, everything belonged to Palestine and later Israel occupied it. Israel is an outsider. And the land originally belonged to Palestine.” He also said that the NCP stands with those who are “originally” Israeli.

BJP Criticised Pawar’s Remark

Pawar’s remarks have been criticised by the BJP. Earlier, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that Sharad Pawar’s statement is very disturbing when senior leaders like him give absurd statements on India’s stand on terrorist attack in Israel. Piyush Goyal said in a tweet, “Pawar ji was a part of the same Government that shed tears on the Batla House encounter and slept while there were terror attacks on Indian soil. This rotten mindset has to stop. I hope Pawar ji at least now, thinks of the nation first.”

It is very disturbing when a senior leader like @PawarSpeaks ji makes preposterous statements on India’s stand on a terror attack in Israel. The menace of terrorism has to be condemned in all forms, in any part of the world. It is a pity that a person who has been India’s Defence…

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 18, 2023

Sharad Pawar’s statement came days after PM Modi expressed solidarity with Israel and condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas.

List of countries who are part of the international condemnation of Israeli actions

Mahita Jain — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:59:55 +0000

The Israel-Hamas conflict is a longstanding and deeply rooted geopolitical issue that centers on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. The roots of the conflict trace back to the mid-20th century when Israel was established, leading to displacement and unrest among Palestinian communities.As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, criticism of Israel’s actions is mounting from various countries around the world. The international community has voiced deep concerns over the violence, with some nations taking more direct stances than others.

ALGERIA

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law and called for immediate international intervention to protect Palestinian rights.

AFRICAN UNION

In a statement, African Union (AU) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed he failure of long-term international efforts to solve the crisis, saying “The Chairperson wishes to recall the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension.”The AU appealed to both parties to end military hostilities and return to the negotiating table.

BEZILE

Belize has urged everyone to calm down, supported the idea of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and insisted on allowing Palestinians who were forced to leave to come back.

BRAZIL

Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Luiz Iecker Vieira said on Friday that his country has “received with dismay the news that Israeli forces called for all civilians — more than one million — living in northern Gaza to leave within 24 hours”.Veira, who was speaking in New York after a United Nations Security Council meeting, referred to the UN’s assessment that such a large-scale move of people could lead to “unprecedented levels of misery” for civilians while calling for an end to violence on both sides

COLOMBIA

Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Israel and Palestine to pursue a two-state solution through negotiations, drawing historical parallels to past atrocities.In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Gaza today appears as destroyed or more so than the Warsaw ghetto after it was destroyed by Nazi barbarity in response to the Jewish and socialist insurrection in that concentration camp.”

INDONESIA

Indonesia called for an immediate end to violence, highlighting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as the root cause.

IRAQ

The Iraqi group Kataib Hezbollah said the Hamas attacks would “open the way for new strategic deterrence against the Zionist-American axis.Iraq thinks attacks as the continuation of the oppression of Palestinians under Israel’s occupation.

IRAN

Iran described Palestinian resistance as a natural reaction to Israel’s provocations.

IRELAND

President Michael D Higgins has called for a cessation of violence in Israel and Gaza for “the protection of the lives of innocent civilians”.He said his thoughts are particularly with the family of 22-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti, who is unaccounted for since the attack against Israel.

KUWAIT

Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the escalation in Gaza, calling on the international community to stop the violence, protect the Palestinian people, and end Israel’s provocations. It has warned that the continuation of violence without deterrence would undermine peace efforts and the prospects of a two-state solution.

MOROCCO

In an Arab League session, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, emphasised Morocco’s “full and unwavering support” for Palestine.Also,Morocco voiced deep concern over the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to calm.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia called for an end to violence in Gaza, citing the prolonged occupation and suffering of the Palestinian people as the root cause.

MALDIVES

The Maldivian government expressed concern about escalating violence in Gaza and reiterated solidarity with the Palestinian people.Government has said that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

NORWAY

Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt has criticised the total blockade of Gazaas unacceptable and emphasised that Israel’s right to self-defence must adhere to international law.“The establishment of a full blockade, including on access to electricity, water, food, and other goods that are indispensable for the survival of the civilian population in Gaza, is unacceptable,” Huitfeldt said in a statement.“The scale of destruction in Gaza is enormous. A large number of civilians have been killed. Given a full blockade by Israel, closed border crossings, and continued Israeli attacks, I fear that the civilian population in Gaza will face even greater hardship in the days to come,” she added.

OMAN

Oman calls on Palestine, Israel to exercise restraint.Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the ongoing escalation between Palestinians and Israelis, emphasising the need for both parties to exercise restraint, and calling for international intervention to stop the escalation.

QATAR

Qatar has called for all parties to de-escalate and exercise restraint amid the escalating situation in Gaza, holding Israel responsible for the escalation due to its violations of Palestinian rights, particularly incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to compel Israel to respect international law and the historical rights of the Palestinian people and prevent further violence against Palestinian civilians. Qatar has reiterated its firm position in support of the Palestinian cause, including the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

RUSSIA

President Vladimir Putin has emphasised the “creation of an independent Palestine state with East Jerusalem as its capital” to resolve the issue.Moscow has also refused to list Hamas as a “terrorist” organisation following similar steps taken by France and the European Union earlier this week.Russia called for an immediate ceasefire, renouncing violence and advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SYRIA

Syria has praised the Palestinian resistance factions behind last the October 7 attack, while criticising Israel’s occupation and siege.

SOUTH AFRICA

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged solidarity with the people of Palestine, describing Israel as an oppressive regime.“All of us standing here pledge our solidarity with the people of Palestine,” he said.He described Israel as an “oppressive regime” and pointed to what many human rights groups have described as Israel’s apartheid-like policies towards Palestinians.

VENEZUELA

The Government of Venezuela voiced its anxiety concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip and called for the end of violence throughout Palestinian territory through direct dialogue and compliance with UN Security Council resolution 2334. Venezuela urged the United Nations to fulfil its role as a guarantor of international peace and legality.

More rockets being reportedly fired on Tel Aviv

Vanshika Lodhi — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:16:41 +0000

Recent events have seen an escalation in rocket attacks on Tel Aviv.

As per the Israel Defence Forces, there has been a significant increase in rocket launches from Gaza towards Israel since the 7th of October, with the count exceeding 6,000.

A recent incident involved a flurry of rockets targeting Israel, which led to the postponement of a press conference by US senators in Tel Aviv.

Image Source: Twitter

Israel-Hamas Conflcit: A war between light and darkness, declares Premier Netanyahu

Vanshika Lodhi — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:33:44 +0000

Knesset, Premier Benjamin Netanyahu drew stark lines between Israel and Hamas, likening the conflict to a war between the forces of light and darkness.

Netanyahu, known for his impassioned speeches, did not mince words as he compared Hamas, the Palestinian political organization, to the Nazis. “This is not just a fight against a terrorist organization,” he said. “This is a fight against the forces of darkness.”

The Premier’s comments come amid escalating tensions in the region. The Israeli government has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. The situation has been further complicated by international scrutiny and calls for peace.

Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, stating that they are necessary to protect its citizens. “We are on the side of justice,” he said. He urged members of the Knesset and the international community to recognize the nature of Hamas. “They are not freedom fighters,” he said. “They are not champions of a just cause. They are the embodiment of darkness, akin to the Nazis.”

Netanyahu’s comments have sparked a flurry of reactions both domestically and internationally. While some applaud his strong stance against Hamas, others criticize his comparison to Nazis as inflammatory.

Opposition MPs meet Palestinian Ambassador amid war between Israel and Hamas

Uddeshya Thakur — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:30:59 +0000

A group of opposition leaders visited the Palestine Embassy on Monday (October 16) amid the deadly war between Israel and Hamas. The group included several opposition leaders including MP Danish Ali, former MP Mani Shankar Aiyar and KC Tyagi who visited the Palestine Embassy to express solidarity with the Palestinians.

Apart from BSP MP Danish Ali, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and JD(U)’s KC Tyagi, CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan were also among the leaders who visited the embassy.

The voice for peace should now be louder – Dipankar Dipankar Bhattacharya said he had gone to the embassy to express solidarity with the people of Palestine in the wake of the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He further said, “Everywhere in India, we are raising our voice along with the people of the world. The voice for peace should be louder now because what is happening right now in Gaza is not just indiscriminate killing of the people there but Pushing the world to the brink of World War III.”

Released press note

After meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador, many opposition leaders including KC Tyagi and Mani Shankar Aiyar have issued a joint statement.

Press Note By Opposition MP

More than 4,000 people died in the war Let us tell you that on October 7, Hamas had attacked Israel with thousands of rockets, after which the Israeli army has been carrying out rapid attacks on Hamas. So far, more than 4,000 people have been killed from both sides in these attacks. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 2,670 Palestinians have been killed in this conflict, while 9,600 have been injured.

At the same time, more than 1400 Israeli citizens have died so far in the Hamas attack on Israel. Apart from this, countries like Germany, America, France and United Kingdom have stressed the importance of preventing the situation of Hamas and Israel from worsening.

Here’s the actual reason why McDonald’s getting boycotted

Vanshika Lodhi — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:21:40 +0000

A wave of boycotts is sweeping across McDonald’s, the renowned fast-food behemoth, following a controversial announcement by its Israeli branch. The franchise revealed on social media that it has been offering complimentary meals to Israeli military personnel during the ongoing strife with Hamas.

McDonald’s Israel took to Instagram to announce that it has been distributing “numerous meals” throughout Israel in recent days. The company disclosed that it had provided 4,000 meals to hospitals and military units and planned to distribute thousands more daily to soldiers stationed in the field and drafting areas. This initiative was in addition to a 50% discount offered to soldiers and security forces who patronize their branches.

The announcement was met with widespread disapproval on social media, with many users advocating for a boycott of McDonald’s. Detractors argue that it is inappropriate to support corporations involved in conflicts, particularly when innocent lives are at stake. The hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds began trending on social media platforms as users expressed their objections.

The tension between Israel and Hamas intensified after a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel last weekend, leading to nearly 3,000 casualties on both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared “war” after Hamas launched hundreds of rockets and infiltrated several Israeli cities, causing numerous deaths and abductions. Airstrikes are ongoing in the Gaza Strip, and an Israeli invasion of the region is expected.

McDonald’s has yet to issue an official response regarding the calls for boycott. The controversy continues to escalate as more individuals join the boycott movement.

Reuters confirms death of its journalist near Israeli border in Jordan

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:18:02 +0000

Washington, Oct 14 : Reuters has confirmed that its journalist was killed on Friday while filming live on the border with Israel in southern Lebanon.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed,” the news agency said in a statement, adding it was working with authorities in the region to obtain more information.

Six other journalists working for Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera were wounded, AFP reported.

The United Nations extended its deepest condolences to Reuters following the death of its crew member. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric called for an investigation into what exactly had happened.

Southern Jordan came under Israeli shelling earlier in the day after the Israel Defense Forces accused Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of firing rockets into the Israeli territory.

Understanding the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on the Indian stock market

Vanshika Lodhi — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 06:51:22 +0000

Introduction

Geopolitics is back dominating the financial headlines again. It may seem like a dry topic, but it’s essential to understand its impact on global markets. Geopolitical risks are often underestimated in the world of finance. However, as history has shown, events on the global political stage can significantly impact the financial world. The current conflict between Israel and Hamas is a prime example. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how this conflict is affecting the Indian stock market and what investors need to know to navigate its impact.

Israel-Hamas Conflict

The conflict began with a surprise multifront attack by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas on Israel. The attack led to significant geopolitical tensions resulting in increased volatility in the global markets. Geopolitical risks often take a backseat to other market factors. However, they have the power to significantly impact stock markets. In the past, many investors underestimated the seriousness of certain geopolitical events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, resulting in huge losses. The Israel-Hamas conflict has already impacted the global markets, including India. Indian stock markets opened significantly lower in line with other global stock indices. There is no immediate reason for panic, but the situation is being closely watched as any escalation of the war could significantly impact Indian stock markets.

Companies with a significant stake in Israel, such as Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Torrent, and Sun Pharma, may experience market fluctuations. Entities like NMDC, Kalyan Jewellers, TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro, with operations in Israel, could also see impacts on their market performance.

Overall, it is important to keep an eye on geopolitical risks as they have the power to significantly impact stock markets. The conflict brings attention to the importance of understanding geopolitics and the need to include them in investment strategies.

Impact on Indian Stocks

The conflict has not only affected global markets but also the Indian stock market. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty opened significantly lower on 9th Oct,2023 in line with other global indices. Although there is no immediate reason for panic, the situation is being closely watched as any escalation of the war could impact Indian stock markets due to the rise in oil prices and increased volatility in rupee and bond yields. Companies like Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Torrent, and Sun Pharma, which own a significant stake in Israel’s Taro Pharmaceutical, may experience market fluctuations. And, entities like NMDC, Kalyan Jewellers, TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro, with operations in Israel, could see impacts on their market performance. Shares of Sun Pharma were 0.30% down at Rs 1,123.90; Lupin was down 0.51% on the NSE while Torrent Pharma was up 0.36% and Dr Reddy’s was up by 1.51%.

From an investor’s perspective, it’s important to look at the bigger picture and take a long-term perspective. As Sarvjeet Virk, co-founder & MD at Finvasia, pointed out, during geopolitical turmoil, investors tend to make safer choices and gravitate towards precious metals. At the same time, they do not abandon equities either, as they expect them to perform better once stability returns. Investors may view any market dip as an opportunity to buy quality stocks for the long-term.

Impact on Oil Prices

The conflict between the two, has led to a rise in oil prices, causing a state of panic in the market. Investors tend to gravitate towards safe-haven assets like precious metals during geopolitical turmoil. However, they do not abandon equities either, expecting them to perform better once stability returns. One of the long-term effects of the conflict could be a sustained reduction in oil supplies. This can have significant and far-reaching impacts on oil markets. Considering the impact of the conflict on oil prices, it’s important for investors to navigate the current market situation with a long-term perspective in mind. They should consider safe-haven assets, along with equities, keeping an eye on geopolitical risks that can impact global markets.

Investor Strategy

As an investor, you may be wondering about the strategies to navigate the current market situation. Instead, invest in safe-haven assets like gold, which can maintain their value even during times of turmoil. Remember not to abandon equities altogether, as markets can recover once stability returns. Also, the conflict highlights the importance of having a long-term perspective while investing. Indian markets have remained robust, and any market dip can be viewed as an opportunity. Another crucial strategy is to diversify your portfolio by investing in a variety of sectors and companies. This way, you can mitigate the impact of any potential short-term losses in one sector due to geopolitical risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Israel-Hamas conflict has highlighted the importance of understanding geopolitical risks and their possible impact on stocks. While there is no immediate reason for panic, it is necessary to closely watch the situation as any escalation of the war could significantly impact on stock markets, particularly due to the rise in oil prices and increased volatility in currency and bond yields. It is also crucial to keep an eye on companies with a significant stake in Israel and those with operations in the country. The Indian market is expected to do well in the long run. As we deal with changing market situations, it’s important to stay aware and keep learning.

Middle East stock markets tumble as Israel’s Shekel slides amid escalating conflict

Mahita Jain — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:33:52 +0000

Stock markets across the Middle East faced a decline as worries grew about the potential escalation of the conflict, leading to a 2.9% drop in Dubai’s benchmark gauge. The Israeli shekel also underwent a notable decline, despite the Bank of Israel’s announcement of its preparedness to sell tens of billions of dollars in foreign exchange to steady the currency in the aftermath of a surprise attack by Hamas militants.The central bank, in an unprecedented move, announced plans to sell up to $30 billion and extend up to $15 billion through swap mechanisms to support the market, as stated in a release on Monday. The objective is to mitigate volatility in the shekel’s exchange rate and ensure necessary liquidity during this period, the bank explained.The Bank of Israel did something important and different from what it did before. They are helping the shekel, Israel’s money, by selling some foreign money. This is the first time they’ve done this since they let the money trade freely. They decided to do this because of a very bad attack on Israel by Hamas. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says this fight with Hamas will last a long time and be hard.Even though the Bank of Israel is trying to help, Israel’s money went down a lot, reaching 3.9235 against the dollar. That’s 2% less, and it’s the weakest it has been since 2016. The stock market in Israel, called the TA-35, also went down by 1.3% on Monday, but then it went up by 0.2%. On Sunday, it had gone down a lot by 6.5%.This problem is not only in Israel. Other places in the Middle East, like Dubai, also had their stock markets go down by 2.9%. People are worried that this fight might become a much bigger and longer problem.

Central Bank of Israel makes bold move: $30 billion USD to be sold to boost shekel

Vanshika Lodhi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:42:23 +0000

In a significant move to bolster the Israeli shekel, the Central Bank of Israel has announced its plans to sell $30 billion of US dollars.

The decision comes amidst growing concerns over the weakening shekel in the international currency market. The Central Bank aims to strengthen the shekel and stabilize the economy through this strategic move.

“The sale of $30 billion of US dollars is a part of our broader strategy to support the Israeli shekel,” said a spokesperson from the Central Bank. “We are committed to ensuring the stability and strength of our currency.”

This move is expected to increase the demand for the shekel, thereby raising its value against other currencies. Economists predict that this could have significant implications for Israel’s trade and economy.

The Central Bank has not yet disclosed when the sale will take place. However, it has assured that the process will be carried out in a manner that ensures maximum benefit to the Israeli economy.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Decoding India’s stand and national foreign policy

Vanshika Lodhi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:09:52 +0000

Amidst the escalating conflict in Israel, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced his support for Israel. This comes in response to a sudden attack by Hamas militants from Gaza, which led to the unfortunate loss of at least 22 lives.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in Israel. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time. India stands with Israel in this challenging hour,” Modi expressed. The attack occurred on Saturday morning, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce a state of war.

Israel’s national rescue service has reported that several hundred people have been injured in the military incursion. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) has reported that over 2,200 rockets have been launched into Israel since early morning.

In a televised address to the nation, Netanyahu stated, “We are at war. This is not an operation or a series of events, but a war. Hamas initiated a deadly surprise attack against Israel and its citizens early this morning”.

India’s position is crucial as global reactions to the intensifying conflict continue to pour in. As events continue to unfold, the world watches with bated breath for further developments.

26 killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza city in the most insidious single attack

Meemansa Shekhawat — Mon, 17 May 2021 05:19:03 +0000

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza city, on Sunday, torpedoed three buildings and took away the lives of at least 26 people. Well, it is being considered as the most insidious single attack since the heavy war broke out between Israel and the territory’s militant Hamas rulers nearly a week ago.

According to the Gaza health ministry, 10 women and 8 children were killed while 26 people were injured in the attack.

In addition to this, a building that housed the Associated Press in the Gaza strip has also been torpedoed in the airstrike.

Well, earlier, the Israel ministry said that it had annihilated the home of Gaza’s top Hamas leader, Yahiyeh Sinwar, though in a separate strike in the southern town.

Though, today’s attack is the third attack in the last two days on the home of senior Hamas leaders, who are now out of sight.

Furthermore, as the dispute between Israel and Hamas continues to take hold during the past few days, Palestine has been witnessing some of its widespread protests across the country.