Geneva, 24 July 2014: India on Wednesday voted in support of a UN Human Rights Council resolution to launch a probe into Israel’s military offensive on Gaza. The Israeli airstrikes and ground offensive since July 8 have killed over 600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza.
At the 21st Special Session of UNHRC, India not just voted in favor of the resolution but also reiterated its long commitment to the cause of Palestine. It supported a sovereign Palestine along with Israel.
The official statement of India presented at UNHRC meeting
Mr. President,
India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza and disproportionate use of force on ground, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives, especially women and children and heavy damage to property. The Government of India is closely monitoring the situation unfolding and supports all efforts for an immediate ceasefire between the parties involved.
We are deeply concerned at the human rights situation in Occupied Palestine Territory including East Jerusalem, as also at the violence by non-state actors in the region which have the effect of serving as avoidable obstacles to the peace process, as well as to the realization of the legitimate aspirations of both the peoples to co-exist in peace and security. We call upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation, and threaten peace and security of the region. India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people.
Mr. President,
India, along with its IBSA partners, reiterated its commitment to promote dialogue and understanding with a view to ensuring enjoyment of human rights in Palestine and Israel. Again, at the recent BRICS Summit in Fortaleza Brazil, India along with BRICS partners reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and called upon both sides to resume negotiations leading to a two-State solution with a contiguous and economically viable Palestine State.
Mr. President,
India’s deep association with, and continuing commitment to, Palestine is rooted in our modern history that goes back to our struggle for independence. India believes that the solution to the Palestine issue should be based on the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and the Quartet Roadmap resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders side-by-side at peace with Israel and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
We once again urge for an immediate ceasefire to stop the violence and bloodshed and call on both sides to start a process of peaceful dialogue.
