During a session at the United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative, Ruchira Kamboj, vehemently condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. She unequivocally labeled the large-scale civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, as "clearly unacceptable." Emphasizing India's firm stance against terrorism, Kamboj highlighted the immediate trigger for the conflict as the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, expressing India's strong condemnation for such acts.
In her address, Kamboj stressed the imperative need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. She underscored that while recognizing the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict, the primary focus should be on diplomatic channels to address the root causes of the tensions. India's government, she mentioned, has been in constant communication with leaders from both Israel and Palestine, working towards a peaceful resolution.
Moreover, Kamboj expressed concern over the act of hostage-taking by Hamas, labeling it as unjustifiable. She called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, emphasizing that such actions have no justification. The diplomat asserted that terrorism and hostage-taking have no place in a civilized society.
In terms of humanitarian aid, Kamboj highlighted India's commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict. She mentioned the provision of 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including significant medical supplies, to the people of Palestine. Additionally, India has contributed USD 5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees, aiming to support essential programs such as education, healthcare, and social services.
The representative acknowledged India's participation in various international forums, including the G20, the BRICS, and the Global South Summit in November 2023, where the country reiterated its principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue.
As a call to prevent further escalation, Kamboj urged the international community to continue delivering humanitarian aid and collaborate towards restoring peace and stability in the region. She expressed hope that Security Council Resolution 2720 would contribute to enhancing humanitarian assistance.
In conclusion, Kamboj reaffirmed India's commitment to achieving a just, peaceful, and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. She advocated for a two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between the involved parties, emphasizing the urgency of de-escalation, the rejection of violence, and efforts to create conditions conducive to the resumption of direct peace negotiations.
