India at UN Calls for 'Unconditional Release of All Hostages' in Gaza, Backs Two-State Solution

New Delhi: As the war in Gaza continues, India at the United Nations called for de-escalation of the conflict while stressing on peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Reiterating its call for an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, India called for immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.

India's Assistance to Palestine

Delivering his remarks at the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East on Wednesday, India's Deputy Representative to the UN, R Ravindra, also highlighted that India's assistance to Palestine, in various forms over the years, amounts close to 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," news agency ANI quoted Ambassador R Ravindra as saying.

While urging adherence to international law and international humanitarian law under all circumstances, Ravindra said, "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 immediate and unconditional release of all hostages." 

He also acknowledged the efforts by countries like Qatar and Egypt for engaging with the leadership of Israel and Palestine to head towards a peace deal.

"We have consistently reiterated our position in all the relevant multilateral fora," he added.

India Backs Two-State Solution

"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 said.

"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.

While concluding his remarks, the Ambassador stated that India stands ready to continue its engagement with the region with an abiding faith in realizing the vision of sustained peace and stability in West Asia.

(With ANI inputs)