UNSC meeting on Question of Palestine

(May 26, 2022; 1000 hrs/ 1930 hrs IST)

Thank you, Madam President. I thank UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland, Mr. Daniel Munayer and Ms. Robi Dameline for their briefings.

2. The events during the holy month of Ramzan have illustrated the potential volatility surrounding the holy sites in Jerusalem. Provocative actions or rhetoric must be avoided and the historic and legal status-quo in the holy sites of Jerusalem must be respected and fully preserved. A concerted diplomatic effort is also required to deal with the root causes of the recent tensions and ensure that the situation does not deteriorate again. A large number of Indians visit Jerusalem, which among several holy sites also houses the Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya — the Indian Hospice, which is a historic place associated with a great Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid and located inside the Old City of Jerusalem.

3. Violent attacks and the killing of civilians have continued in Palestine and Israel. We strongly condemn such acts, which have resulted in an increasingly high number of casualties, including women and children. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure the complete cessation of violence.

4. Resolution 2334 calls upon parties to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, to refrain from provocative acts of incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. Any action that unduly alters the status-quo on the ground and undercuts the viability of the two-State solution must be eschewed.

5. We are following the developments in Masafer Yatta with concern. Tensions have risen over the potential legal eviction of the Palestinian families in the area, which includes children. We appeal for the status-quo to be maintained in Masafer Yatta in the interest of peace and stability.

6. The continued precarious financial situation of UNRWA remains another matter of concern, as lack of funding to the Agency can adversely affect the delivery of humanitarian services to the Palestinian refugee community in the Palestine and elsewhere. In this regard, we welcome the convening of the Adhoc Committee of the General Assembly for the announcement of the voluntary contribution to UNRWA by the Secretary-General in June. We hope adequate funding would be pledged by the international community to help UNRWA overcome the financial crisis. India has already contributed USD 20 million over the last 4 years and has also pledged USD 5 million for UNRWA’s program budget for the year 2022.

Madam President,

7. The recent incidents have underscored that the security challenges could quickly reverse any gains made in the socio-economic sectors unless there is a political dialogue between Israel and Palestine. An early return to the peace process by launching credible direct negotiations, while addressing the security and economic challenges, is an immediate necessity.

8. 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 absence of direct negotiations is not conducive to securing long-term peace and will only increase the risk of recurrence, and escalation of violence.

Madam President,

9. Let me conclude by reiterating India’s firm and unwavering commitment to the two-State solution and the peaceful resolution of the Palestine question. India has always supported a negotiated two-State solution leading 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.

10. We call on the UN and the international community to prioritize the revival of peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine. India stands ready to support all international efforts toward achieving a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.

I thank you.

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