India has once again called for an immediate and complete ceasefire in the
Gaza Strip
during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East.
R Ravindra, India's Deputy Representative to the UN, emphasized the need for the unconditional release of hostages and highlighted India's strong condemnation of the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, as well as the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
He urged all parties to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law under all circumstances.
"We reiterate the call for an immediate, full and complete ceasefire, safe, timely and sustained humanitarian assistance and unrestricted access to relief and essential humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip. In addition, we also call for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," Ambassador R Ravindra said.
India appreciated the efforts of countries like Qatar and Egypt in engaging with the leadership of Israel and Palestine to resolve the conflict. The country has consistently maintained its position in support of a two-state solution, which involves the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and independent state of Palestine within recognized and mutually agreed borders, coexisting peacefully with Israel while considering its security needs.
"It has been our longstanding position that we support a two-state solution that entails the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine within recognized and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace. With due regard to the security needs of Israel, India was represented at the senior level at the International High-Level Conference on Urgent humanitarian response to Gaza held in Jordan last month," he said.
Ambassador R Ravindra also highlighted India's significant developmental assistance to Palestine, amounting to nearly $120 million, including a USD 35 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). India has been providing an annual contribution of $5 million to UNRWA since 2018 and has already announced the disbursement of $2.5 million, with the first tranche transferred earlier this week on July 15, 2024.
India reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with the region, driven by an unwavering belief in achieving lasting peace and stability in West Asia.
English (US) ·