New Delhi: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday called for a carefully balanced policy to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has reportedly claimed over 11,000 lives so far. The minister was speaking at an extraordinary joint meeting of the BRICS group of countries on the West Asian crisis.
Jaishankar condemned terrorist group Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, but said steps should be taken to ensure that humanitarian relief reaches the Gaza population. “The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is causing enormous humanitarian suffering, including among civilians, elderly, women and children. We welcome all efforts of the international community towards reducing tensions. At the moment, there is an urgent need to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief reaches the Gaza population effectively and safely. It is also important that all the hostages be released. We believe that adherence to international humanitarian law is a universal obligation,” he said while addressing the leaders of BRICS member states, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While the minister took a strong stance against terrorism, he also stressed the need for restraint by countries and reiterated India’s call for peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. This can only happen with a two-state solution that is based on peaceful co-existence, he said.
India’s top diplomat also stressed New Delhi’s support for Palestine. “Our economic assistance to Palestine, developmental projects there and financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority reflects our position. Jaishankar said, India is supportive of the role of the United Nations Relief and Welfare Agency (UNRWA) and is contributing $5 million annually.
“In response to the crisis in Gaza, India has also sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies. We thank Egypt for facilitating this delivery. Our relief assistance will continue.”
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Updated: Nov 21, 2023, 11:36 PM IST
