India urged the conflicting parties to engage in direct peace negotiations as soon as possible
Amid Israel’s military action in Gaza against Hamas, India has strongly condemned the civilian deaths in the ongoing conflict and said the resulting humanitarian crisis in the region is “simply unacceptable”.
“The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for more than seven months and the humanitarian crisis it has triggered has escalated. There is also the potential for growing instability in the region and beyond. In this context, we see the UNSC’s adoption of resolution 2728 as a positive step “, said India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, at the 10th UNGA Special Emergency Session on Palestine.
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“India’s position on the conflict has been clearly articulated on more than one occasion by our leadership: First, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially women and children. The humanitarian crisis result is simply unacceptable. We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected by all in all circumstances,” he added.
Highlighting the October 7 attack on Israel, Ms. Kamboj also stated that Hamas’ attack on Israel also deserves equivocal condemnation from the forum and that there is no justification for terrorism and hostage-taking.
Statement by the Permanent Representative at the 10th Special Emergency Session of the UN General Assembly on Palestine today.
Declaration: https://t.co/0eCQmiGdwWpic.twitter.com/h8WivNX7kv
– India at the UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) May 13, 2024
“The terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 were shocking and deserve our unequivocal condemnation. There can be no justification for terrorism and hostage-taking. India has a long-standing and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and demonstrations, and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” she said.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza must be stepped up immediately to prevent further deterioration of the situation. We urge all parties to join in this effort. We welcome the efforts of the UN and the international community in this respect. India has provided humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and will continue to do so. We note the recent facilitation of an increased flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza by the Israeli authorities,” he added.
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Reiterating India’s stance on a two-state solution to the issue, she also urged the warring parties to begin direct peace talks at the earliest.
“My leadership has repeatedly emphasized that only a two-state solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues, will provide lasting peace,” she said.
“India is committed to supporting a two-state solution, where the Palestinian people can live freely in an independent country, within secure borders, with due regard to Israel’s security needs. To reach a lasting solution, we urge all parties to promote conditions conducive to the resumption of direct peace negotiations soon,” she added.
Furthermore, India also reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian bid for full membership in the United Nations and hoped that Palestine’s respective bid would be reconsidered by the forum.
“In accordance with our long-standing position, we support Palestine’s accession to the UN and therefore voted in favor of this Resolution. We hope that Palestine’s candidacy will be reconsidered by the Security Council in due course and that Palestine’s effort to becoming a member of the UN will be endorsed,” she said.
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