India called for immediate ceasefire in Gaza Strip, demanded release of hostages
Ambassador R Ravindra said that India is among the countries that strongly and unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
New York: Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, India at the United Nations called for an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and unconditional release of hostages. In his remarks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate on the Middle East on Wednesday, India's Deputy Representative to the United Nations, R Ravindra, also highlighted that India's development assistance to Palestine, in various forms over the years, has been close. USD 120 million.
“India was among the countries that strongly and unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. We have also condemned the loss of civilian life in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. We have called for restraint, de-escalation of tensions and emphasis on peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
He called for adherence to international law and international humanitarian law in all circumstances.
“We call for an immediate, complete and total ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, safe, timely and sustainable humanitarian assistance and aid and unrestricted access to essential humanitarian services. Additionally, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” said Ambassador R Ravindra.
At the UN, he praised the role of countries such as Qatar and Egypt for their continued engagement with the leadership of Israel and Palestine. “We have consistently reiterated our position at all relevant multilateral fora,” he added.
India stands for peace and stability in the region. “We support a two-state solution that requires the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognized and mutually agreed borders, living in peace alongside Israel. Considering the security needs of Israel, India was represented at a senior level at the international high-level conference on the urgent humanitarian response to Gaza held in Jordan last month,” the ambassador said.
(with input from ANI)
