Deplored as it is regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, India called upon the international community to impose a complete ceasefire, decrying that sporadic lulls in hostilities were not sufficient to tackle the serious challenges being confronted by civilians in the strip.
Speaking during the UN Security Council's open debate on the 'Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question', India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized the seriousness of the crisis.
Today's meeting comes against the background of a continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza," Harish said. "Periodic lulls in fighting are not sufficient to meet the magnitude of humanitarian needs, which confront the people who are daily facing critical deficits in food and fuel, substandard medical care and denial of access to education.
Harish emphasized that the ongoing agony has to cease, repeating India's persistent approach on the matter. "Humanitarian aid has to be delivered in a safe, sustainable and timely fashion. There is no alternative to peace. A ceasefire has to be established. Hostages of all kinds have to be released. Diplomacy and dialogue are the only realistic ways to fulfill these ends. There are no other solutions or repairs," he stated.
He also expressed hope that the soon-to-be-held UN-sponsored international conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict would provide a crucial chance to take "concrete steps" toward an enduring two-State solution.
The debate was held under the presidency of Pakistan, which is chairing the Security Council for July. Reaffirming New Delhi’s historical ties with Palestine, Harish stated, “We have always stood by them and our commitment towards the Palestinian cause is unwavering,” adding that India was the first non-Arab country to formally recognise the State of Palestine.
Harish also highlighted the catastrophic situation in Gaza, specifically in health and education. Referring to World Health Organization estimates, he stated that almost 95% of the hospitals in Gaza are either destroyed or damaged. In addition, reports by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reveal that over 650,000 children in the area have been out of school for more than 20 months.
In reference to the High-Level International Conference for the implementation of the two-State solution, which has been rescheduled to take place from July 28–30 at a later date following a previous postponement due to increasing tensions, Harish stated: "While having an activist and positive approach, it is our expectation that this conference would prepare the ground for tangible actions towards realizing a two-State solution."
India also stated that it is willing to assist international endeavors towards reviving a political track towards peace in the Middle East. "India reiterates its willingness to support efforts to create a political landscape which brings hope for the Palestinians and to attain lasting peace in the Middle East," Harish continued.
Originally planned from June 17–20 and co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, the high-level conference was rescheduled for July because of the unstable atmosphere in the region.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also emphasized the importance of keeping the two-State solution alive during the present upheavals. "And for those who have doubts about the two-state solution, I ask: What is the alternative? Is it a one-state solution where the Palestinians are forced out or the Palestinians will be made to stay in their land without any rights? That is completely unacceptable. I strongly feel that it is the international community's responsibility to keep the two-State solution on the table and then to realize the conditions to make it a reality," he said.
Echoing his words, President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang termed the forthcoming conference as "a critical moment that we have to grasp in order to set an irreversible course towards the realization of the two-State solution. It is essential that this conference is successful."
India reiterated once more that the basis for enduring peace is to establish two independent states — a living and sustainable Palestine, coexisting with Israel in peace and mutual recognition, within agreed and recognized borders.
Harish wrapped up by pointing out India's continuous development activities in Palestine, disclosing that New Delhi is already executing various projects amounting to more than USD 40 million to have a real impact on the daily lives of Palestinians.
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