Israeli foreign minister cuts Indian trip short amid Gaza bombing

By Anadolu Staff

ANKARA (AA) - Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who arrived in India on an official visit on Tuesday, cut short his tour and is returning back home “in light of events in Israel,” the top diplomat said.

“I landed a short time ago in New Delhi, the capital of India, and immediately upon landing I received a security update," Eli Cohen wrote on Twitter. “In light of the events in Israel, I decided to cut short the diplomatic visit to India and return to Israel after my meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will take place today.”

Early morning, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi confirmed that the Israeli minister had arrived in New Delhi.

“Looking forward to the visit further strengthening the multifaceted India-Israel partnership,” the spokesman said on Twitter.

Cohen's India trip was expected to end after three days.

While the foreign minister did not clarify what the security update was, Israel has been carrying out bombing in Gaza.

At least 12 people were killed, including women and children, and 20 others were injured in airstrikes carried out early Tuesday in Gaza by the Israeli military.

The casualties were announced by the Health Ministry in Gaza.