LONDON, April 22: On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22 last year, both the European Union (EU) and Israel expressed strong solidarity with India and reiterated their firm stance against terrorism. The attack, carried out in Jammu and Kashmir, mostly targeted tourists and was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The EU, speaking on behalf of its 27 member states, issued a statement condemning terrorism in all its forms and expressing solidarity with India in remembering the victims. It said the bloc stands with the families of those killed and the Indian authorities, adding that terrorism can never be justified under any circumstances. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to global peace and security while honouring the memory of the victims.
Similarly, the British High Commission in New Delhi paid tribute to the victims in a social media message, offering condolences to the families and condemning all forms of terrorism. It said the UK remains committed to working with international partners to ensure peace and stability.
Israel also issued a strong statement of support. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel honours the memory of the victims and stands with their families in grief. He reaffirmed that Israel remains “resolute and unwavering” in its fight against terrorism in all forms and emphasized the need for stronger cooperation with India to address shared security threats. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, also paid tribute in a video message, stating that the “pain is deeply familiar” and that “terror has no borders,” highlighting the shared experience of countries affected by terrorism.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India carried out a retaliatory military operation named Operation Sindoor, targeting terror and military infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Overall, the statements from the EU, the UK, and Israel underline a unified international condemnation of terrorism and continued support for India, while also emphasizing the need for global cooperation to combat extremist violence and maintain regional and global security. (PTI)
