WATCH | ‘This Diwali Light a Diya for Hostages Held in Gaza’: Israeli Envoy’s Plea to Indians

Israeli ambassador to India Naor Gilon on Wednesday urged Indians to light a diya for Israeli citizens who are currently held in Gaza by Hamas.

“240 of our loved ones have been held hostage by Hamas terrorists for a month. Every Diwali, we celebrate Lord Ram’s return by lighting Diyas. This Diwali 2023 we invite you to light a Diya in the hope of having our loved ones return,” Naor Gilon said in a video message on social media site X.

“Currently 240 Israelis and foreign nationals, including Holocaust survivors and babies are being held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Israel is making every effort to secure their release. Diwali, which is right around the corner, commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the forces of evil,” Gilon says in the 67-second long video.

“Similarly, just as Lord Ram’s return is celebrated by lighting diyas, we invite you all to light a diya with a hope of bringing back home our loved ones who are held hostage and are separated from their families. Let us pray for their safe return and show unwavering support for their loved ones,” Gilon further added.

US President Joe Biden has urged Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a three-day pause to release some of the hostages being held in Gaza.

Over 240 hostages are being held in Gaza City. They were taken hostage on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel killing some 1,400 people, mostly civilians, including through targeting homes and revellers at a music festival.

Talks are ongoing between Israel, US and Qatari officials who are discussing the possibility of securing the release of some of hostages being held by Hamas inside Gaza, a report by Axios said. Hamas may release over a dozen hostages and could also hand a list of the total number of hostages they are holding.

Hamas has released two elderly Israeli women and two Americans so far. Two Israeli officials said that Hamas is holding about 180 hostages, the Palestinian Jihad is holding 40 hostages and other factions associated with them are holding about 20 hostages.