R Ravindra, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to
the United Nations, underlined New Delhi’s efforts to send humanitarian
assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war,
saying that it has sent 38 tons of food and critical medical equipment to the
region.
Ravindra made the statement while representing Bharat at
the United Nations Security Council Open-debate on the “situation in the Middle
East, including the Palestinian question”.
Thanking the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
for the open debate on the latest chapter of hostilities in West Asia, he said Bharat
was deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale
loss of civilians in the ongoing conflict.
“The mounting humanitarian crisis is equally alarming,”
he said.
“Bharat has sent 38 tons of humanitarian goods,
including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. We also urge the
parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and for
restarting direct negotiations, including through de-escalation and issuing
violence,” Ravindra added.
“The escalation of our utilities in the region has
only exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation,” he said, adding, “It has
once again underscored the fragile nature of the ceasefire.”
The terror attacks that happened on October 7 in
Israel were shocking and Bharat condemned them unequivocally, the deputy
permanent envoy to the UN noted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first
global leaders to convey his condolences over the loss of lives and “prayers
for the innocent victims and their families”.
“We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of
crisis when they were facing these terror attacks,” Ravindra added.
“We have also expressed deep shock at the tragic loss
of lives at the Al Hali hospital in Gaza, where several hundreds of civilian
casualties have occurred and thousands injured. Our heartfelt condolences to
the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,”
Bharat’s deputy permanent envoy to the world body added.
PM Modi had also said those involved in the attack “must
be held responsible”, Ravindra added, noting that the civilian casualties in
the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. All
parties must protect civilians, especially women and children.
“The unfolding humanitarian crisis needs to be
addressed. We welcome the efforts of the international community for
de-escalation and delivery of humanitarian goods to the people of Gaza,” he
added.
Also reaffirming Bharat’s support for a two-state
solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, he said the same can lead to the
establishment 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 the legitimate security concerns of Israel.
“In these challenging times, Bharat will continue to
send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” said Bharat’s deputy
permanent envoy to the UN.
Ravindra concluded his statement by reaffirming Bharat’s
firm commitment to achieving a “just, peaceful and lasting solution to the
Israel-Palestine conflict”.
ANI
