UNSC Open meeting on Question of Palestine (August 25, 2022; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Thank you, Mr. President. We are grateful to Tor Wennesland, General Philippe Lazzarini and Daniel Levy for their briefings. Thank you for that.

2. The escalation of hostilities earlier this month in the Gaza Strip has only exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation of the Gazan Palestinians, who have already been suffering, including due to the non-availability of funds for the UN Humanitarian Response Plan and the global increase in commodities prices. We hope that this situation will be addressed soon with increased donor funding.

3. We welcome the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and urge the parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement strictly so that the ongoing intensive diplomatic efforts can strengthen them. In this context, we appreciate the efforts of the international community, especially the role of Egypt in this process. We also note Israel’s efforts to resume the movement of people from the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian goods and fuel, following the ceasefire.

4. While we are focusing on strengthening the ceasefire, we must also continue to work together towards a political solution to effectively address the underlying drivers of the dire economic and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

5. Mr. President, we also remain deeply concerned by developments in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Violent attacks and the killing of civilians have continued during the reporting period. Acts of destruction and demolition are also continuing. Provocative action and rhetoric have again raised tensions around Jerusalem’s holy sites. The historical and legal status-quo at Jerusalem’s holy places must be respected and upheld. We are also gravely concerned about the acts of terror and incidents of violence in West Bank and Israel. There can be no justification for any act of violence committed against civilians. We have consistently advocated against all acts of violence, especially against women and children, and we reiterate our call for a complete cessation of violence.

6. We urge parties to refrain from unilateral measures that vitiate conditions necessary for promoting peace and instead focus on bridging the trust deficit. It is the international community’s collective responsibility to send a strong signal against any step preventing the possibility of a two-State solution.

7. Mr. President, UNRWA’s financial challenges are compounding every year. There is a significant risk of curtailment of UNRWA’s services if adequate funds are unavailable soon. The Agency’s services to millions of Palestinian refugees are crucial from the humanitarian and development perspective and contribute to overall stability in the region. As far as India is concerned and responding to UNRWA’s funding crisis, , we have increased our annual financial contribution toUNRWA. Since 2018, we have contributed US$ 20 million to the Agency’s program budget. We have also pledged US$ 5 million for this year, half of which has already been released. We encourage donors to consider stepping-up their contribution so as to help the Agency overcome its liquidity crisis this year.

Mr. President,

8. The situation again underscores the need for the immediate resumption of peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The absence of such direct negotiations is not conducive to securing long-term peace and will only increase the risk of recurrence and escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine. Therefore, an immediate necessity is an early return to the political dialogue process by launching credible direct negotiations.

9. India has consistently called for direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine towards a two-State solution, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for Statehood and Israel’s legitimate security concerns. The UN and the international community must prioritize the resumption of these negotiations.

10. In conclusion, Mr. President, I reaffirm India’s unwavering commitment to establishing a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel, taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns. There is no other alternative to a negotiated two-State solution.

I thank you.