Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson and newly appointed Ambassador of India to the United Nations Arindam Bagchi reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sentiments on the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza.
Bagchi stated that India stood by its stand on condemning the terror attacks against Israel and that it was the duty of the international community to oppose all forms of terrorism. Bagchi, however, focused on the issue of Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza, adding that a “two-state solution” was needed. Earlier, Bagchi had also stated that India would support the formation of a “sovereign, independent and viable” state of Palestine.
“There was also the issue of Palestine and on that we reiterated our position in favor of direct negotiations to achieve a two-state solution,” Bagchi added.
Last week, Bagchi had stated that India had always advocated the resumption of “direct negotiations” for a viable state of Palestine within “secure and recognized borders”. He also added that India hopes that the State of Palestine could exist “side by side in peace with Israel.”
Bagchi stated: “We insist on strict compliance with international humanitarian law… Civilian casualties in the conflict are a matter of serious and ongoing concern and those involved must be held accountable.”
The conflict between Israel and Gaza has entered its thirteenth day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held private meetings with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to discuss the conflict.
On the other hand, Egypt and Jordan have both said no to taking in Palestinian refugees, fearing that Israel could force the expulsion of Palestinians to other countries and completely nullify their demand for a state.