India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, conveyed the nation's support for the resumption of direct negotiations. She emphasized the goal of establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, coexisting peacefully with Israel, within secure and recognized borders. This statement was made during the United Nations General Assembly.

While speaking at UN General Assembly informal discussions on the humanitarian situation in Palestine on Monday, Kamboj said, "India's consistent position of achieving a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side by side at peace with Israel."

Kamboj, expressing approval for international efforts aimed at further de-escalating the conflict, reiterated India's staunch opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. She made it clear that India stands against violence in this context.

She said, "India welcomes all efforts by the international community that strive towards a de-escalation of the conflict and enables the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine."

She added, "The message from our leaders has been clear and consistent - we are firmly opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, clearly against violence and are on the side of adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring that further escalation is prevented, humanitarian aid delivery continues, all hostages are released unconditionally and all parties work towards an early restoration of peace and stability. Towards this, we also welcome efforts for humanitarian pauses."

Kamboj emphasized that India has already provided 70 tonnes of disaster relief materials, which include medicines and medical supplies, to the people of Palestine. She stated, "We are also firm in our commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and have already delivered 70 tonnes of disaster relief materials including 17 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies in two tranches and our humanitarian support continues. Similarly, India continues to play an active role as a Member of the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)."

Israel declared war against Hamas following its attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with around 240 individuals taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

Amid the ongoing situation in Gaza, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to host a virtual BRICS Extraordinary Joint Meeting for the BRICS nations on Monday, as announced by the South African President's Office. In a significant development, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also participate in the virtual meeting.

During the meeting, the South African President will deliver an opening speech and invited states and members will address the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The participants will later adopt a joint statement on the situation in the Middle East, specifically focusing on Gaza.

Leaders of BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—will participate in the virtual Extraordinary Meeting along with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the press statement.

Image source: ANI