India condemns grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel-Hamas war intensifies

Amid Israel’s military action against Hamas in Gaza, India has strongly condemned the civilian deaths in the ongoing conflict and said the resulting humanitarian crisis in the region is “absolutely unacceptable”.

“The conflict in Gaza has been going on for more than seven months, and the humanitarian crisis it is causing is growing. Instability is likely to increase in the region and beyond. In this context, we view the adoption of Resolution 2728 by the UNSC as a positive step,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj said at the 10th UNGA Emergency Special Session on Palestine.

“India’s position on the conflict has been clearly expressed by our leadership on more than one occasion: One, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children. The humanitarian crisis resulting from this is completely unacceptable. We strongly condemn the civilian deaths in the conflict. “International law and international humanitarian law must be respected by everyone in all circumstances,” he said.

Highlighting the October 7 attack on Israel, Kamboj also said that Hamas’ attack on Israel also deserves equal condemnation from the platform and there is no justification for terrorism and hostage-taking.

“The terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 were shocking, and they deserve our unequivocal condemnation. There can be no justification for terrorism and hostage taking. “India’s stand against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is longstanding and uncompromising and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” he said.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza must be immediately increased to prevent the situation from worsening. We urge all parties to come together in this effort. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations and the international community in this regard. India has provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine and will continue to do so. “We have recently noted the Israeli authorities’ facilitation of a massive flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

Reiterating India’s stand on a two-state solution to the issue, he also urged the conflicting parties to engage in direct peace talks as soon as possible.

“My leadership has repeatedly stressed that only a two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between the two sides on final status issues will provide lasting peace,” he said.

“India is committed to supporting a two-state solution where the Palestinian people can live freely in an independent country within secure borders while taking into account the security needs of Israel. “To reach a lasting solution, we urge all parties to promote favorable conditions for the early resumption of direct peace talks.”

Additionally, India also reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian bid for full membership of the United Nations and expressed hope that Palestine’s respective application will be reconsidered by the Forum.

“In keeping with our long-term position, we support Palestine’s membership in the United Nations and, therefore, we have voted in favor of this resolution. “We hope that Palestine’s application will be reconsidered by the Security Council at the appropriate time and Palestine’s bid to become a member of the United Nations will be supported,” he said.