June 25, 2021
2 mins read

At UN, India bats for ‘independent, democratic’ state of Palestine

India’s comments come in the backdrop of recent escalations in the conflict between Israel and Palestine after a series of missile strikes from the Israel Defence Forces…reports Asian Lite News

India on Thursday backed the establishment of an ‘independent, viable, and democratic State of Palestine’ and called for an end to the decades-long conflict in the Middle-East. At a session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India called for the resumption of peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine and said that there is no alternative to a “two-state solution” for ensuring enduring peace in the region.

“India is committed to the establishment of an independent, viable, democratic State of Palestine. There is no alternative to a two-state solution for ensuring meaningful and enduring peace,” said the secretary (west) of India’s ministry of external affairs Vikas Swarup at the UNSC session. He further said that any attempt to unilaterally change the status-quo that undercut efforts to advance a negotiated two-state solution should also be avoided.

India’s comments come in the backdrop of recent escalations in the conflict between Israel and Palestine after a series of missile strikes from the Israel Defence Forces earmarked civilian settlements in the Gaza Strip, violating a ceasefire arrangement on June 16 that was in place since May 21.

Rockets fired by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas from Gaza City towards Israel. (Photo Mohammed Talatene_dpa_IANS)
ALSO READ: ‘India can be global leader in green buildings’

At the UNSC session, India’s MEA secretary said, “After a period of brief calm, tensions are rising again in Gaza. The launch of incendiary balloons from Gaza targeting civilians in Israel and the retaliatory strikes into Gaza threatens to restart the cycle of violence, which caused immense suffering and resulted in deaths recently.”

“Recent developments in Palestine are of concern. They can restart the cycle of violence, resulting in immense suffering and deaths. We urge both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to honour the ceasefire arrangement. There’s a need for immediate resumption of the Middle East Peace Process and direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine. India supports all diplomatic efforts, including by the Quartet, to strengthen the collective commitment of the international community for a peace process,” he added.

India’s representative to the UN said that the need of the hour is to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza. All Palestinian parties should work with the authority to ensure the well-being of civilians affected by conflict and deliver required assistance to the people, India said.

“We call for reinforced cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities in the area of humanitarian aid delivery, including food and medicine, and movement of patients in and out of Gaza,” added Swarup.

Israel and Hamas concluded 11 days of fighting during which hundreds of rockets were launched from both Israel and Palestine sides. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, 253 Palestinians were killed during the fighting, including 66 children, while 13 Israelis, including a 5-year-old boy and a soldier, were killed.

ALSO READ: Indian envoy to UN co-hosts special event on 2030 agenda

Previous Story

Indian envoy to UN co-hosts special event on 2030 agenda

Next Story

Gen Bajwa kindles old romance with US

Latest from -Top News

Industry Hails India-UK FTA

£34 billion boost, sweeping tariff cuts and market access mark UK’s most ambitious post-Brexit trade pact; Indian sectors set for exports surge…reports Asian Lite News Business leaders from both India and the

India, UK Sign Landmark FTA

The pact is set to make imported goods like Scotch whisky, gin, luxury cars, cosmetics, and medical devices more affordable for Indian consumers….reports Asian Lite News In a landmark moment for India-UK

Farmers Win Big in India-UK FTA

There is a massive gain for rural India and exporters with zero duty on processed foods compared with up to 70 per cent earlier….reports Asian Lite News The India-UK Free Trade Agreement

Modi-Starmer Meet Ahead of FTA Signing

During the discussions, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on Keir Starmer at the

Hindu Temple Vandalised in Melbourne

Confirming the incident, Victoria Police mentioned they are investigating “four linked incidents in Boronia,” including the temple and two restaurants….reports Asian Lite News In a deeply disturbing incident of racial violence, a
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Modi visits construction site of new Parliament house

Last year, he laid the foundation stone of the new

India off to dominant start against Australia

Australia lost their last four wickets for 15 runs as