UNSC Open Debate on the Palestine Question

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

(28 July 2021)

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Lynn Hastings for her briefing today.  I also thank Executive Director Dr. Yudith Oppenheimer, for her participation.  I welcome the participation of Palestine and Israel in today’s meeting.

2. The May 21 ceasefire was brought in by the concerted efforts and assurances of the international community, which continues its intense diplomatic efforts for negotiating a long-term ceasefire. We call upon all parties to show restraint and desist from all unilateral actions that could exacerbate tensions.

3. Regular and predictable entry of goods through verified channels into Gaza remains vital for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Israel’s easing of restrictions on the entry of essential supplies into Gaza and movement of patients needing critical medical care in Gaza are steps in the right direction and needs to be furthered. India welcomes all measures to de-escalate the situation and encourages further steps from both parties to ensure the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid and other critical commodities to Gaza. Such confidence-building measures followed by substantial actions would help in stabilizing the ceasefire.

4. India strongly supports Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction. The World Bank Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment Report has estimated a requirement of US$ 485 million for immediate and short-term recovery. It is important that the international donor community supports the reconstruction of Gaza through the Palestinian Authority. We encourage all Palestinian parties to work with the Palestinian Authority to ensure the well-being of the people of Gaza.

5. India and other international donors continue to provide development assistance to the Palestinian Authority for strengthening its governance institutions and creating opportunities for the socio-economic growth of Palestinians. However, negative trends on the ground in West Bank and East Jerusalem are taking us further away from a two-State solution and threaten to derail the cumulative gains made by these efforts.

6. In the above context, we reiterate our concern over the possible legal eviction of some Palestinian residents in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighourhoods in East Jerusalem. The houses were built as part of arrangements facilitated by the UN.

7. We remain deeply concerned by the continued clashes and heightened tensions around the Al-Aqsa mosque.  We reiterate the need to respect the historic status quo in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood. All parties must refrain from provocative and inflammatory rhetoric in the interest of peace and stability.

8. Last week’s clashes in Jerusalem are a reminder that violent confrontations remain a real possibility. We urge the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to go beyond the restoration of calm and start a serious dialogue to address the issues that undercut the viability of the two-State solution.

Mr. President,

9. India has always attached great importance to ensuring a better livelihood for the Palestinian people and has provided timely assistance to improve the economic and humanitarian situation in Palestine. India has also helped build schools, hospitals, and technology parks and is  supporting quick-impact community projects in Palestine, and also contributed to the reconstruction of Gaza.

10. I conclude by reaffirming India’s firm commitment to achieving a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This goal can only be achieved through two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security. There is no other road to achieving this goal except through direct negotiations. We stand ready to support all efforts by our regional and international partners to restart the negotiations and the peace process, which can assure a future of hope for all Palestinians and Israelis.

I thank you Mr. President.

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