India reiterated its appeal for an immediate and full ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at the United Nations and demanded the unconditional release of the hostages.
During the Open Debate on the Middle East at the United Nations Security Council, R Ravindra, India's Deputy Representative to the UN, emphasised that India's developmental aid to Palestine has taken various forms over the years and amounts to nearly USD 120 million.
"India was among the countries which strongly and unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. We have also condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint, de-escalation and emphasised peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," he said.
He urged adherence to international law and international humanitarian law under all circumstances.
"We reiterate the call for an immediate, full and complete ceasefire, safe, timely and sustained humanitarian assistance and unrestricted access to relief and essential humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip. In addition, we also call for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," Ambassador R Ravindra said.
He also expressed gratitude for the involvement of nations such as Qatar and Egypt, who have maintained ongoing communication with the leadership of Israel and Palestine.
"We have consistently reiterated our position in all the relevant multilateral fora," he added.
India stands for peace and stability in the region. "It has been our longstanding position that we support a two-state solution that entails the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace. With due regard to the security needs of Israel, India was represented at the senior level at the International High-Level Conference on Urgent humanitarian response to Gaza held in Jordan last month," the Ambassador said.
He also underlined that India's developmental assistance to Palestine, in various forms over the years, amounts to close to USD 120 million.
"Our developmental assistance to Palestine in various forms over the years amounts close to USD 120 million, including USD 35 million as a contribution to UNRWA. India has been providing an annual contribution of USD 5 million since 2018 to UNRWA. We have already announced the disbursement of USD 2.5 million. The first transfer of our annual contribution to UNRWA was made early this week on July 15, 2024," he added.
In his concluding comments, he mentioned that India is prepared to further its involvement with the area, firmly believing in achieving the goal of long-term peace and stability in West Asia.
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