New Delhi:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar today affirmed in Parliament India's long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by calling for the creation of a “sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state” alongside Israel.
Responding to an allegation during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha about India's alleged abstention from all United Nations resolutions on Gaza, Mr. Jaishankar said that since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7 thirteen resolutions on Palestine were tabled last year. in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, 13 resolutions on Palestine have been tabled in the UNGA, of which India voted in favor of 10 resolutions and abstained in three resolutions,” Mr. Jaishankar said.
India has provided significant humanitarian assistance to Palestine during the ongoing crisis. Since the start of the conflict, the Center has delivered about 70 tons of aid, including 16.5 tons of medicines and medical supplies in two tranches. In addition, $5 million was disbursed to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in 2024, matching a similar contribution from 2023.
“India's policy towards Palestine is longstanding and we have always supported a negotiated two-state solution aimed at establishing a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living in peace side by side with Israel. Mr. Jaishankar said.
Recent shipments in October and November 2024 included 65 tons of medical supplies sent to UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Health.