On Wednesday, India highlighted the need to resume direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine. Additionally, it reaffirmed its support for the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict at the UN.
The remarks were delivered by India’s Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the UN, R. Ravindra, during the UN Security Council Open-debate on the “situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.”
Resume Direct Peace Negotiations
India said that the escalation of hostilities in the region had exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation.
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Watch Ambassador R. Ravindra, DPR and C’dA deliver India's statement at the #UNSC Open-debate on the "situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”. pic.twitter.com/ifXE5NPAmp
Ravindra urged the parties involved to create conditions necessary for peace and for restarting direct negotiations, including through de-escalation and eschewing violence.
“We welcome all efforts of regional and global players aimed towards restoring normalcy,” he remarked.
India’s Support for Two-State Solution
The DPR mentioned, “India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.”
He highlighted that India supports establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side, in peace with Israel, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel.
To this end, India reiterated the need for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations.
Assistance to Palestine
Ravindra emphasised that India continues to support the Palestinian people through its bilateral development partnership across sectors like health, education, women empowerment, entrepreneurship and information technology.
He further mentioned that India supports grassroots Palestinian institutions in their developmental initiatives.
The DPR also reassured UN members that India would continue sending humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine in these challenging times.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza “Alarming”
India expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and said that “the mounting humanitarian crisis is equally alarming.”
The DPR mentioned that civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious concern. At the meeting, India urged all parties to protect civilians, especially women and children, and address the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
While underscoring that India has sent 38 tonnes of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine, the DPR said that India welcomes the efforts of the international community to de-escalate and deliver humanitarian goods to the people of Gaza.
India Condemns Attack on Israel, Gaza’s Al-Ahli Hospital
Ravindra mentioned that Hamas’ terror attacks in Israel were shocking, and India condemns them unequivocally.
He pointed out that Indian PM Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to have conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives in the attacks and stood with Israel in the crisis.
The DPR also expressed heartfelt condolences for the victims of the Al-Ahli Hospital attack, and stated that the Indian PM had spelt out that those involved must be held responsible.
Countering Pakistan’s Remarks
During the session, Pakistani Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, tried drawing parallels between Palestine and Kashmir.
He said that some countries in the council have offered protection to their allies oppressing occupied people in Palestine and Kashmir.
The Indian DPR retorted by saying, “There was a remark of habitual nature made by one delegation referring to Union Territories that are integral and inalienable parts of India.”
Ravindra concluded by saying that India would treat these remarks with the contempt they deserve and not dignify them with a response.