During the UN General Assembly session on the Palestinian issue, India strongly condemned the terrorist attacks involving hostage-taking by Hamas and expressed deep concern over the significant loss of civilian lives during Israel's subsequent retaliation. However, India refrained from directly naming either party.
India's Permanent Representative, Ruchira Kamboj, emphasized the urgent need for a Two-State Solution for Palestine and extended support for humanitarian aid. She specifically addressed the crisis triggered by terror attacks in Israel on October 7, condemning them unequivocally, stating that India maintains a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
“The immediate trigger (for the crisis) was the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which were shocking and deserve our unequivocal condemnation. There can be no justifications for terrorism and hostage-taking,” she said.
“India has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism," she asserted.
Kamboj acknowledged the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning the large-scale loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children. She expressed India's disapproval of civilian casualties and highlighted the unacceptability of such a situation.
In response to the conflict's toll, with over 1,200 killed in the Hamas attack and more than 14,800 lives lost in Israel's retaliation, India played an active role in diplomatic efforts. A truce was negotiated, allowing relief supplies into Gaza, and some hostages were released by Hamas.
While India abstained from a recent Assembly resolution for a humanitarian truce, Kamboj clarified that this decision didn't indicate a shift in support for the Palestinian cause. She reiterated India's commitment to the Two-State Solution, emphasizing historical ties and ongoing support for the Palestinian people.
India contributed 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to Gaza. Kamboj welcomed the humanitarian pause in the conflict and called for the release of remaining hostages.
Addressing Pakistan's attempts to link the Palestine issue to Kashmir, Kamboj rejected such connections, terming them misleading and expressing sympathy for the mindset perpetuating these untruths. India affirmed its position on Kashmir's irrevocable integration and dismissed the need for further response at the UN.
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