India supports ‘Two-State solution’ for Israel and Palestine at UN
- In Reports
- 01:40 PM, May 02, 2024
- Myind Staff
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, India has reiterated its support for a two-state solution for Palestinians during discussions at the United Nations. On Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, affirmed India's backing for the Palestinians' entitlement to reside autonomously in a sovereign nation, safeguarded by secure borders, while also acknowledging Israel's security requirements.
Kamboj condemned the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas but also said that “international laws and international humanitarian laws should be respected by everyone in all circumstances". India also demanded the unconditional release of the Israeli hostages stuck in Gaza.
During the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, Kamboj expressed optimism that Palestine's membership will be revisited in due time and that the region's bid for permanent UN membership will garner support.
“My leadership has repeatedly emphasised that only a Two-State solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues, will deliver an enduring peace,” Kamboj said.
Regarding humanitarian assistance, Kamboj said that India will continue providing aid to Palestinians. She said, "It is imperative that humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza be scaled up immediately in order to avert a further deterioration in the situation. We urge all parties to come together in this endeavour”.
Last month, the US vetoed a resolution in the UNSC that advocated for Palestinian statehood, sparking criticism from numerous countries sympathetic to the region's aspirations.
On this, Kamboj said, “While we have noted that Palestine’s application for membership at the UN was not approved by the Security Council because of the aforesaid veto. I would like to state here at the very outset that in keeping with India’s longstanding position, we hope that this would be reconsidered in due course and that Palestine’s endeavour to become a member of the UN will get endorsed.”
Kamboj also underscored India's position on the ongoing conflict, highlighting its escalation into widespread violence resulting in the loss of many lives, particularly among women and children.
She emphasised that India has strongly condemned the deaths of civilians in the conflict and firmly believes that international law and international humanitarian law must be respected by everyone under all circumstances. She called Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on October 7 “shocking” and stressed that they deserve “unequivocal condemnation.”
Image source: Livemint
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