‘Deeply concerned about…’: India at UN Security Council on Israel-Hamas war
Ambassador R. Ravindra, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the United Nations, on Wednesday, said.
“India is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. The mounting humanitarian crisis is equally alarming.”
Ravindra made the statement while representing India at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open-debate on the “situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”.
“The October 7th terror attacks in Israel were shocking and we condemn them unequivocally. Our PM 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.”
“We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks…Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern,” he said, adding that all parties must protect civilians, especially women and children.
India urged the parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and for restarting direct negotiations, including through de-escalation and eschewing violence.
“Current escalation has once again underscored the need for 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,” he said.
R. Ravindra also underlined India’s efforts to send humanitarian assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, saying it has sent 38 tons of food and critical medical equipment to the region.
“India has sent 38 tons of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. India has always negotiated a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side.
In peace with Israel, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel… 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…In these challenging times, India will continue to send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine…Every effort must be made to create conducive conditions for the resumption of these talks…,” said R. Ravindra.
He concluded his statement by reaffirming India’s firm commitment to achieving a “just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.”
The UNSC ministerial meeting, held under the Brazilian Presidency of the Council, was addressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen, Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad Al-Maliki and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.