UNSC Meeting on Palestine Question

[September 28, 2022; 1000 hrs]

INDIA STATEMENT

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

2.    India is concerned by the unfortunate loss of civilian lives and reiterate its call for a complete cessation of violence and attacks on civilians, especially those against women and children. Likewise, we are concerned about the recent acts of terror and incidents of violence in Israel and the West Bank. We are also aware of the tensions around Jerusalem’s holy sites due to provocative action and rhetoric. The historical and legal status-quo at Jerusalem’s holy places needs to be respected and upheld.  Various actions that the Special Coordinator has identified in his presentation are also continuing.  These need to stop.

Mr. President, 

3.     Palestinians continue to face severe economic and humanitarian hardships. Unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population must be prioritized. 

4.    On our part, India continues to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership, which covers wide-ranging sectors such as health, education, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and information technology. Palestinian students and officials of the Palestine Authority are provided scholarships every year to undergo education and training in premier educational institutions. The scholarships are also open to the Palestinian Refugees under UNRWA. We are also supporting grass-root Palestinian institutions in their developmental initiatives. Our support also extends to UNRWA for its humanitarian services. Recognising the current financial situation of UNRWA, we have advanced the disbursement of our 2022 contribution of US$ 5 million to the Agency. 

Mr. President,

5.    I will conclude by stating that the developments in Palestine only reaffirm the urgent need for political dialogue between Israel and Palestine through the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel. We believe there is no other alternative to a negotiated two-State solution, and in this context, we welcome the statement by Israel’s Prime Minister at the General Assembly last week supporting a two-State solution. Therefore, India stands ready to support all diplomatic efforts to strengthen the international community’s collective commitment to resume these negotiations and facilitate the peace process for achieving a two-State solution.

I thank you.

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