New Delhi: India’s Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the United Nations, R. Ravindra, emphasised New Delhi’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. He stated that India has dispatched 38 tonnes of food and essential medical supplies to the region.
Ravindra made the statement during the United Nations Security Council’s Open Debate on the “situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.”
Thanking the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the open debate on the latest chapter of hostilities in West Asia, he said India was deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilians in the ongoing conflict.
“India has sent 38 tons of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. We also urge the parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and for restarting direct negotiations, including through de-escalation and issuing violence,” Ravindra said.
“The escalation of our utilities in the region has only exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation,” he said, adding, “It has once again underscored the fragile nature of the ceasefire.”
Also reaffirming India’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, he said the same can lead to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side in peace with Israel, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel.
“Towards this, we reiterate the need for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations. We also continue to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership, which covers a wide range of sectors including health, education, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and information technology,” Ravindra said.
He added that India was also supporting grassroots Palestinian institutions in their development initiatives.
“In these challenging times, India will continue to send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” India’s deputy permanent envoy to the UN said.
He stated that the current escalation of the conflict has once again underscored the need for the immediate resumption of credible, direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
“Every effort must be made to create conducive conditions for the resumption of these talks. We welcome all efforts of regional and global players aimed towards restoring normalcy,” he said.
Ravindra concluded his statement by reaffirming India’s firm commitment to achieving a “just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict”.
The terror attacks that happened on October 7 in Israel were shocking, and India condemned them unequivocally, the deputy permanent envoy to the UN noted.
(With ANI Inputs)