India at UN: Immediate Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Essential

India has reaffirmed its call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, alongside the unconditional release of hostages. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East, India’s Deputy Representative to the UN, R Ravindra, highlighted India’s ongoing developmental support to Palestine, which totals nearly USD 120 million.

“India was among the countries which strongly and unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. We have also condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint, de-escalation, and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” he stated.

Ravindra emphasized the importance of adhering to international and humanitarian laws under all circumstances. “We reiterate the call for an immediate, full, and complete ceasefire, safe, timely, and sustained humanitarian assistance, and unrestricted access to relief and essential humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip. In addition, we also call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” he declared.

He also commended the efforts of nations like Qatar and Egypt for their ongoing engagement with Israeli and Palestinian leadership. “We have consistently reiterated our position in all the relevant multilateral fora,” he added.

India continues to advocate for peace and stability in the region. “It has been our longstanding position that we support a two-state solution that entails the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and independent state of Palestine within recognized and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace. With due regard to the security needs of Israel, India was represented at the senior level at the International High-Level Conference on Urgent Humanitarian Response to Gaza held in Jordan last month,” the Ambassador emphasized.

Reiterating India’s significant developmental aid to Palestine, he noted, “Our developmental assistance to Palestine in various forms over the years amounts close to USD 120 million, including USD 35 million as a contribution to UNRWA. India has been providing an annual contribution of USD 5 million since 2018 to UNRWA. We have already announced the disbursement of USD 2.5 million. The first tranche of our annual contribution to UNRWA was transferred early this week on July 15, 2024.”

Concluding his remarks, Ravindra affirmed India’s commitment to continued engagement with the region, driven by a steadfast belief in achieving lasting peace and stability in West Asia.