India (Commonwealth Union)_ India, at the latest UN Security Council meeting, expressed its unwavering commitment to providing continued humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine while voicing deep concerns regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. During this first open debate on the Israel-Hamas war at the UNSC, the majority of council members called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian population. Despite ongoing air raids and escalating violence, the council has yet to pass a resolution.
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador R. Ravindra, conveyed India’s deep concern for the worsening security situation and the loss of civilian lives in the Israel-Hamas war. He stated that India would persist in sending humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine during these difficult times and emphasized the importance of creating conditions conducive to the resumption of peace talks. He stated, “Deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian lives in the current Israel-Hamas war. In these difficult times, India will continue to send humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. Every effort must be made to create a conducive environment for the resumption of these talks”.
India unequivocally condemned the shocking Hamas attack on October 7, and Ambassador Ravindra highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed condolences and prayers for the victims and their families, standing in solidarity with Israel during its time of crisis. India remains deeply concerned about civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. He stated, “We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern”.
In response to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict, India has provided substantial aid to the Palestinians, sending 38 tons of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment. India’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue remains unchanged, with the aim of establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living in peace alongside Israel. India continues to support the Palestinian people through bilateral development partnerships across various sectors, such as health, education, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and information technology. The commitment to achieving a just, peaceful, and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a central tenet of India’s foreign policy.
