India Votes For Palestine At UNSC, Appeals For Peace Talks Between Palestine And Israel
New Delhi, 25th June 2021: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine had created a situation of tension in the whole world including Middle-East Asia. India called for the beginning of peace talks by reducing the tension between the two countries.
India on Thursday voted in favour of Palestine at a session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and supported the establishment of an independent, capable, and democratic state. India also talked about ending the conflict that has been going on for many years in the Middle East. India appealed for peace talks between Israel and Palestine, saying that both countries should respect the ceasefire.
At the UN Security Council session, Vikas Swarup Vikas, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India is committed to the establishment of an independent, viable, democratic state of Palestine. There is no alternative but permanent peace for a solution between the two countries.”
He further said that no attempt should be made to unilaterally change the status quo, which would reduce efforts to move forward for a two-country solution.
India’s remarks come in the backdrop of the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine. During this, the Israeli Defense Forces fired missiles at the Gaza Strip. On 21st May, Israel stopped firing missiles and agreed to a ceasefire, but Israel violated the ceasefire on 16th June.
At the UNSC session, India’s MEA secretary said, “After a brief lull, tensions are rising again in Gaza. Incendiary ballooning from Gaza targeting civilians in Israel and retaliatory strikes in Gaza has led to a resurgence of violence. Due to which there has been a lot of trouble recently and many deaths have also been recorded.”
Respect the ceasefire: India’s MEA secretary said that the recent incidents in Palestine are a matter of concern. Such incidents can trigger a resurgence of violence, resulting in many deaths. We urge both Israeli and Palestinian officials to respect the ceasefire. There is an urgent need for a resumption of the Middle East peace process and direct dialogue between Israel and Palestine. India supports all diplomatic efforts, including those of the Quartet, to strengthen the international community’s collective commitment to the peace process.
Humanitarian aid to Palestinian citizens: India’s representative to the United Nations said that the need of the hour is to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, especially in Gaza. He said that all Palestinian parties should work with the authority to ensure the well-being of civilians affected by the conflict and to provide necessary assistance to the people.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas lasted 11 days during which hundreds of rockets were launched from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, 253 Palestinians, including 66 children, were killed in the fighting, while 13 Israelis were killed, including a 5-year-old child and a soldier.
