Ambassador R. Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) of India to the United Nations, on Wednesday underlined New Delhi’s efforts to send humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and said that the country has sent 38 tons of food and critical medical equipment to the region.
Ravindra made the statement while representing India at the United Nations Security Council’s open debate on the “situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue”.
Thanking the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the open debate on the latest chapter of hostilities in West Asia, he said India is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilians in the ongoing conflict.
“The growing humanitarian crisis is equally alarming,” he said.
“India has sent 38 tons of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. We also urge the parties to work to create the conditions necessary for peace and for the resumption of direct negotiations, including through de-escalation and the use of force.” Ravindra added.
“The escalation of our utilities in the region has only exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation,” he said, adding: “It has once again underlined the fragile nature of the ceasefire.”
The terror attacks that took place in Israel on October 7 were shocking and India unequivocally condemned them, the Deputy Permanent Envoy to the UN noted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to express condolences over the loss of lives and “prayers for the innocent victims and their families”.
“We stood in solidarity with Israel at the moment of crisis when they faced these terrorist attacks,” Ravindra added.
“We also expressed our deep shock at the tragic loss of life at Al Hali Hospital in Gaza, where several hundred civilians were killed and thousands were injured. Our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” India’s Deputy Permanent Envoy to the world body added.
Prime Minister Modi had also said that those involved in the attack “must be held accountable”, Ravindra added, noting that civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and ongoing concern. All parties must protect civilians, especially women and children.
“The unfolding humanitarian crisis must be addressed. We welcome the efforts of the international community for de-escalation and delivery of humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza,” he added.
He also reaffirmed India’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue and said the same could lead to the creation 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 Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
“In this regard, 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 also supported Palestinian grassroots 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 underlined the need for an immediate resumption of credible, direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
“Every effort must be made to create favorable conditions for the resumption of these talks. We welcome all efforts by regional and global players aimed at restoring normalcy,” he said.
Ravindra concluded his statement by reaffirming India’s resolve to achieve a “just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
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