New Delhi: India flagged its concerns over the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and highlighted New Delhi's efforts to send humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians affected by the war in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council Open-debate on the "situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question", India's Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the United Nations, R. Ravindra said that India has sent 38 tons of food and critical medical equipment for the Palestinians and will continue to send more.
"The mounting humanitarian crisis is equally alarming," he said, adding, “India has sent 38 tons of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. We also urge the parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and for restarting direct negotiations, including through de-escalation and issuing violence.”
"The escalation of our utilities in the region has only exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation," Ravindra said.
Condemning the October 7 terror attacks, the deputy permanent envoy to the UN said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to convey his condolences over the loss of lives in the Hamas attacks and "prayers for the innocent victims and their families".
"We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks," Ravindra added.
"We have also expressed deep shock at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Hali hospital in Gaza, where several hundreds of civilian casualties have occurred and thousands injured. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said.
According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, bombings by Israeli forces have killed over 5,000 Palestinians. As per the latest report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), nearly 600,000 internally displaced people are sheltering in 150 of their facilities.
Articulating India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, he said the same can lead to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side in peace with Israel, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel.
"Towards this, we reiterate the need for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations. We also continue to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership, which covers a wide range of sectors including health, education, women's empowerment, entrepreneurship and information technology," Ravindra added.