Staff Reporter :
The intensifying conflict between India and Pakistan has drawn sharply divided international reactions, with Israel expressing firm support for New Delhi and Türkiye aligning itself with Islamabad in the wake of India’s air strikes across the border.
India launched a series of precision air strikes on Pakistani territory under “Operation Sindoor,” in what it described as a targeted response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Indian officials said the strikes were “measured and non-escalatory,” aimed strictly at known terrorist hideouts while avoiding civilian and military infrastructure.
Israel was among the first countries to openly endorse India’s actions. Reuven Azar, Israel’s ambassador to India, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to declare his country’s support: “Terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent.” The statement underscored Israel’s long-standing strategic and security ties with India, especially in the area of counterterrorism.
On the other hand, Türkiye voiced strong solidarity with Pakistan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, during which the two diplomats discussed the rapidly deteriorating regional situation.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Türkiye expressed concern over the rising tensions and pledged to maintain close coordination with Islamabad. The Times of India reported that both sides agreed on the need for restraint and diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani military has reported significant civilian casualties from the Indian strikes. At a press briefing in Islamabad, Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at least eight people had been killed and 35 injured.
Lt Gen Chaudhry provided harrowing details of the strikes. In Ahmedpur East, Bahawalpur, he said, four missiles struck the Subhan mosque, killing five people-including a three-year-old girl-and injuring dozens more. Nearby homes and religious structures were also reduced to rubble.
In another incident in Muzaffarabad, seven missiles reportedly hit the Bilal mosque, injuring one young girl and flattening the structure entirely.
