India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, R. Ravindra, on Tuesday expressed India's support for Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attack during a high-level meeting at the UN Security Council. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood in solidarity with Israel during their moment of crisis and was among the first global leaders to offer condolences for the lives lost and prayers for the victims and their families.
“Our Prime Minister was one of the first global leaders to have conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives and prayers for the innocent victims and their families. He stood in solidarity with his Israel in their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks," he said.
“The October 7 terror attacks in Israel were shocking and we condemn them unequivocally," he added.
Regarding the Gaza hospital blast on October 17, which resulted in a significant loss of life, Ravindra expressed deep shock and refrained from assigning blame for the explosion. He emphasized the need for those responsible to be held accountable. Israel attributed the blast to a failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terror group, a claim supported by the United States.
On the other hand, Palestinians contended that the hospital was destroyed by an Israeli missile, a viewpoint shared by several countries participating in the Council meeting. Ravindra acknowledged the ongoing concern for civilian casualties in the conflict and stressed the importance of protecting civilians, particularly women and children.
Ravindra reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine crisis. India advocated for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, living alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders while considering Israel's legitimate security concerns. He called for efforts to create conditions conducive to the resumption of direct talks between Israel and Palestine to work toward a lasting solution.
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