UNSC monthly meeting on the Question of Palestine

(March 22, 2022; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Thank you, Madam President. I also thank UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2334.

Madam President,

2. Resolution 2334 was adopted by this Council to reaffirm the international community’s firm commitment to preventing the erosion of the two-State solution. It calls upon parties to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, to refrain from provocative acts of incitement and inflammatory rhetoric and stresses that all settlement activities must cease.

3. We remain deeply concerned about the upward trajectory of the violent attacks and killing of civilians. We have consistently advocated against all acts of violence. We urge all sides to take immediate steps for a complete cessation of violence.

3. The 1st of March judgement of the Supreme Court of Israel provides a temporary reprieve to the Palestinian families of Sheikh Jarrah. However, the issue of potential legal eviction of these families remains.

4. Tensions have remained high in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood despite the Court’s decision that has ruled against an immediate eviction. It is unfortunate that provocative actions and statements have continued. Statements by community leaders and public figures should aim to reduce tensions and not incite them. We appeal for calm to be maintained and encourage all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

5. We call upon parties to refrain from any unilateral action that unduly alters the status-quo on the ground and undercuts the viability of the two-State solution. We need to urgently build on the recent positive developments and not slide back. The focus must be on addressing the urgent security and economic challenges, including the precarious financial situation of the Palestinian Authority, and charting a concrete path for discussing key political issues. An early return to the political course by launching credible direct negotiations on all final status issues is an immediate requirement. The absence of direct talks between the sides on these issues is not conducive to securing long-term peace.

6. India has consistently called for direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine based on the internationally agreed framework, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for Statehood and Israel’s legitimate security concerns. The UN and the international community, in particular the Middle East Quartet, must prioritize the revival of these negotiations.

Madam President,

7. India has been supporting Palestinian nation-building and capacity-building efforts under the India-Palestine developmental partnership for over three decades now. We also continue to assist the Palestinian refugee community through UNRWA.

8. Let me conclude by reiterating India’s firm and unwavering commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel. There is no other alternative to a negotiated two-State solution.

I thank you.

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