Israeli Envoy Urges Indians To Light A 'Diya Of Hope' For Hostages Held By Hamas In Gaza

Israeli ambassador to India Naor Gilon has urged the Indian citizens to light a ‘Diya of Hope’ ahead of Diwali for the hostages held by the Hamas terrorists in Gaza since 7 October, after the bloody assault in the country.  

Sharing a video message on X (formerly Twitter), Gilon said as Lord Ram's return is celebrated on Diwali by lighting diyas, a diya must also be lit in the hope of the Israeli hostages.

"240 of our loved ones have been held hostage by #HamasTerrorists for a month. Every #Diwali, we celebrate Lord Ram's return by lighting Diyas. THIS #Diwali2023 we invite you to light a Diya in the hope of having our loved ones return Tag us and share your photos using the #DiyaOfHope," he said.

In response, Israel has launched air and ground assault in Gaza to eliminate the Hamas terror infrastructure.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which had earlier surrounded the Gaza strip and cut it in two, said that it has entered the heart of the Gaza.

Meanwhile, over 10,000 Palestinians, including several thousand children, have been reportedly killed in the Israeli counter-strike on Hamas in Gaza.