India has demanded a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The demand was made at the United Nations. India’s Deputy Representative to the UN, R Ravindra, also called for the unconditional release of the hostages.
Ravindra made the remarks at the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East on Wednesday, July 17. He also highlighted India’s developmental assistance to Palestine over the years, which amounts to nearly USD 120 million.
“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 trans of our annual contribution to UNRWA was transferred early this week on July 15, 2024,” he added.
“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 emphasised peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said
#IndiaAtUN
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) July 17, 2024
Ambassador R. Ravindra, Chargé d'Affaires & DPR, delivered India's statement at the UNSC Open Debate on the Middle East today. pic.twitter.com/PTat4Z0PfB
“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,” the Ambassador said.
Ravindra also praised the role of mediators like Egypt and Qatar. “We have consistently reiterated our position in all the relevant multilateral fora,” he said.
“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 recognised 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,” Ravindra added.
