The G20 countries saw eye to eye on a number of matters, including the two-state solution as the answer to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his closing remarks at the online G20 summit.
"Having listened to all your views on the serious situation in West Asia, I can say that there is consensus in the G20 on many issues. First, we all strongly condemn terrorism and violence. There is zero tolerance to terrorism. Second, the death of innocent people, especially children and women, is unacceptable. Third, humanitarian aid should be delivered as quickly as possible. Fourth, the agreement on the humanitarian pause and the news of the release of hostages are welcome. Fifth, the problem of Israel and Palestine requires a permanent solution through the creation of two states," Modi stated.
He added that diplomacy and dialogue are the only ways to resolve geopolitical tensions, adding that the G20 is ready to provide assistance to this end.
Later in the day, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that the G20 leaders discussed the "progress on the agenda of the New Delhi summit" and geopolitical issues.
"The Middle East-West Asia, Gaza situation came up in greater detail, to some extent, also the Ukraine conflict and its consequences," he said.
The minister underscored the summit's significance, adding that it was the world leaders' first gathering since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas confirmed that they had agreed to a four-day ceasefire in Gaza, with the cessation of all hostilities and the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing around 1,200 people and abducting over 200 others in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 14,500 people in the Gaza Strip.