Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi put pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports.

Modi urged deescalating the situation in the Middle East during a telephone conversation with Netanyahu.

“We discussed the current situation in West Asia (the Middle East). Emphasised the need to de-escalate. Reiterated our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and continued humanitarian assistance,” said the Indian prime minister.

India refers to the Middle East as West Asia.