India-Middle East Economic Corridor likely cause of Hamas attack: Biden
Washington DC: US President Joe Biden has indicated that one of the motives behind Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 was the recent announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to connect the entire region through an extensive network of railways, roads, and ports, news agency ANI reported.
"I'm convinced one of the reasons Hamas attacked when they did, and I have no proof of this, just my instinct tells me, is because of the progress we were making towards regional integration for Israel, and regional integration overall. We can't leave that work behind," Biden was quoted as saying in the ANI report.
The US president made the remarks during a joint press conference with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Wednesday.
This project was officially launched with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is designed to stimulate economic growth by bolstering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, West Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
It comprises two distinct segments: the East corridor linking India to West Asia/Middle East, and the Northern corridor linking West Asia/Middle East to Europe.
This comprehensive plan includes the establishment of a rail line that, once completed, will offer a dependable and cost-efficient cross-border ship-to-rail transit system, complementing existing multi-modal transport routes and enhancing the movement of goods and services from Southeast Asia, through India, to West Asia/Middle East and Europe.
Biden has recently praised this corridor, emphasizing that it will create investment opportunities spanning across two continents.
He stated that this rail-port project is part of an endeavour to construct a more sustainable and interconnected Middle East.
The Israel-Hamas war, which was triggered by a surprise attack by Hams on Israel on October 7, has entered its 20th day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his goal against the Hamas war is "saving the nation" and promised that a ground incursion to destroy Hamas in Gaza will start soon, The Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.
"We are preparing for a ground incursion. I won't specify when, how, how many. I also won't detail the range of considerations, most of which the public is not aware of. And that's the way it is supposed to be. This is the way so that we protect our soldiers' lives."
In an address to the nation, PM Netanyahu said, "Israel is in the midst of a fight for our existence. The war's two aims are "to eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governance capabilities, and to do everything possible to get our hostages back."
Top Headlines
-
News
PE firm TA Associates' strategic investment in VeeHealthtek
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur unrest: Civil society sets 24-hr deadline for BJP MLAs to take 'decisive action'
November 19, 2024
-
News
Delhi chokes as air quality remains in 'severe plus' category amid curb on several daily activities
November 19, 2024
-
News
Keir Starmer meets Narendra Modi in Brazil, announces relaunch of UK-India free trade agreement talks
November 19, 2024
-
News
Tirumala trust asks non-Hindu staffers to retire or opt for transfer
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur's unabated violence kills 1 more in Jiribam, Amit Shah schedules meeting today
November 18, 2024
-
News
Former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joins BJP a day after quitting AAP
November 18, 2024
-
News
Delhi records season's worst AQI, train and flight services hit, schools shifted to online mode
November 18, 2024
-
News
Bengal: 17 arrested in clashes between two groups in Murshidabad's Beldanga over Kartik Puja pandal row
November 18, 2024
-
News
DRDO conducts successful flight-trial of first long-range hypersonic missile
November 17, 2024