The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is currently affecting the safety of maritime commercial traffic in the Indian Ocean, particularly around India, directly impacting the nation's energy and economic interests. R Ravindra, the Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, raised these concerns during a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East.
Ravindra highlighted the impact of the conflict on the safety of maritime commercial traffic in the Indian Ocean, with reported attacks in the vicinity of India. The situation is exacerbated by Houthi rebels escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Ravindra emphasized that this scenario is detrimental to all parties involved and urged a clear recognition of this fact.
Expressing India's stance, Ravindra stressed the importance of preventing escalation and ensuring the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid. India has consistently advocated for addressing the humanitarian situation earnestly and welcomes the efforts of the UN and the international community.
India has actively contributed to relief efforts, delivering shipments of relief material to the Palestinian people in Gaza and providing USD 5 million, including USD 2.5 million at the end of December, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This financial support aims to assist the Agency's core programs and services, including education, healthcare, and relief for Palestinian refugees.
Ravindra reiterated India's enduring support for a Two-State solution, where the Palestinian people can live freely in an independent country within secure borders, while acknowledging the security needs of Israel. He emphasized that direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues are crucial for achieving lasting peace.
Uzra Zeya, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights of the United States, called on Israeli leaders to take precautions to minimize civilian harm in line with international law. She underscored the role of Hamas in unleashing the conflict and condemned attacks in the wider region by Iran and its proxies.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of firmly rejecting any party's refusal to accept the Two-State solution. He emphasized that the denial of the right to Statehood would prolong the conflict indefinitely, and a One-State solution would be inconceivable, emphasizing the need for a Two-State formula.
Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, expressed concerns about how Israeli leaders perceive the Palestinian people. He stated that Israel sees them as a threat to be eliminated through death, displacement, or subjugation.
Israel's representative urged the council to shift its focus to address significant security threats in the Middle East, particularly the continuous threat posed by Hamas, which exploits international aid to turn Gaza into a "war machine."
Stephane Sejourne, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France and Council President for January, advocated standing alongside both Israelis and Palestinians for peace and the common good, despite the challenges it may entail for both sides.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the council's response, attributing it to the position of the United States. He called for a world order based on international law, with the United Nations playing a central role, highlighting Western countries' focus on the aftermath of the conflict rather than the ongoing escalation in Gaza.
(With Agency Inputs)
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