India urges ceasefire in Gaza, backs two-state solution
India stresses that temporary pauses are insufficient and advocates for sustained aid, release of hostages, and a return to dialogue to resolve the conflict
India stresses that temporary pauses are insufficient and advocates for sustained aid, release of hostages, and a return to dialogue to resolve the conflict
India stresses that temporary pauses are insufficient and advocates for sustained aid, release of hostages, and a return to dialogue to resolve the conflict
India has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that temporary pauses in violence fall short of addressing the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region, reports PTI. Speaking at an open debate on the Middle East in the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, expressed grave concern over the escalating situation in Gaza. He asserted that intermittent pauses in hostilities cannot resolve the severe shortages of food, fuel, medical services, and access to education faced by the Palestinian population.
Harish emphasised the urgent need for sustained and safe humanitarian assistance, stating that "there is no substitute for peace." He insisted that a full ceasefire is essential and reiterated India’s consistent stance advocating for the release of all hostages and the resumption of dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable solutions.
Harish pointed out that 95 per cent of Gaza’s hospitals are either damaged or destroyed, according to the World Health Organisation. Additionally, more than 650,000 children have been out of school for over 20 months, based on reports by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
India also voiced support for the upcoming High-Level International Conference on the two-State solution, now scheduled for July 28–30 after being postponed from June due to rising tensions. Harish expressed hope that the conference, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, would lead to tangible progress towards the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel.
Highlighting India’s historical ties with Palestine, Harish reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. He noted that India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the State of Palestine, and continues to contribute to projects aimed at improving everyday life for Palestinians. Currently, India is engaged in development initiatives worth over USD 40 million across various sectors.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Philemon Yang both reiterated the importance of reviving the two-State solution. Guterres spoke against alternatives that would either expel Palestinians or deny them their rights, labelling such outcomes as unacceptable.