India expresses concern at the UN about the developments in West Bank and Gaza
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India at the UN Security Council meeting expressed concern over the developments in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza. Ambassador R Ravindra said it is important that the international community and the Council send a "strong signal" against any step that can prevent peace between Israel and Palestine.
India's Deputy Permanent Representative was speaking at the Security Council meeting on the 'Question of Palestine'.
Ravindra stated that India is following the developments in Masafer Yatta with concern and noted the "rising tensions over the potential legal eviction of the Palestinian families". He added that violence has taken many Palestinian and Israeli lives. "Acts of destruction and provocation are also continuing".
The Indian representative said India advocates consistently against all acts of violence and calls for the complete cessation of the same. He added that all unilateral measures that unduly alter the status quo on the ground should be avoided. Ambassador R Ravindra the same applies to actions that "undercut the viability of the two-state solution".
Ambassador Ravindra further said New Delhi has consistently called for direct peace negotiation between Israel and Palestine. "India believes it is the best path towards a two-state solution".
He added that these negotiations should be based on an internationally agreed framework accounting for two things - the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for statehood and Israel's legitimate security concerns.
The ambassador noted that New Delhi has always supported a two-state solution as it will lead to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine. He added this will allow Palestinians to live within secure and recognised borders at peace with Israel.
He also voiced New Delhi's appreciation for the Israeli initiative of increasing the number of work permits for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to work in Israel. Ravinder further suggested that more needs to be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation.
