India has welcomed efforts for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas
conflict as well as efforts by the international community aimed at
de-escalation and delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of
Palestine.
Speaking in the informal meeting of the plenary in the UN General
Assembly on a briefing on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, India’s
Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj stressed that the
message from the Indian leadership has been “clear and consistent”.
“India welcomes all efforts by the international community that strive
towards the de-escalation of conflict and enables the delivery of urgent
humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” Kamboj said.
“We are firmly opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,
clearly against violence and are on the side of adherence to international
humanitarian law and ensuring that further escalation is prevented, humanitarian
aid delivery continues, all hostages are released unconditionally and all
parties work towards an early restoration of peace and stability,” she said.
Kamboj underlined that towards this, “We also welcome efforts for
humanitarian pauses.”
Last week, the UN Security Council called for urgent humanitarian pauses
and corridors throughout Gaza to allow unhindered humanitarian access in the
strip, finally overcoming deadlock and adopting a resolution in the month-long
Israel-Hamas conflict.
The 15-nation Council adopted a resolution last Wednesday that called for
the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other
groups, especially children, as well as ensuring immediate humanitarian access.
The Malta-drafted resolution was adopted with 12 votes in favour, none
against and three abstentions from Russia, the United Kingdom and the United
States.
The adoption of the resolution came after four failed attempts last month
in the Council to take action on allowing humanitarian access in the
Israel-Hamas conflict that broke out after the militant group attacked Israel
on October 7.
Kamboj underlined India’s consistent position of achieving a just,
peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.
“India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards
establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living
within secure and recognized borders side by side at peace with Israel,” she
said.
Kamboj highlighted India’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to
the people of Palestine, including delivering 70 tons of disaster relief
materials. These include 17 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in two
tranches, adding that India’s humanitarian support will continue.
Similarly, India continues to play an active role as a member of the
Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East, she said.
PTI
