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India Backs Palestine's Sovereignty Amid Israeli Knesset's Moves on West Bank

© SputnikAftermath of Israeli Strike on Palestine
Aftermath of Israeli Strike on Palestine - Sputnik India, 1920, 24.10.2025
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The remarks by the Indian Permanent Representative (PR) come as the Israeli Knesset approved two draft laws seeking to establish “Israeli sovereignty” over the West Bank, a move condemned by the wider international community.
Expressing hope that the “diplomatic momentum” garnered due to the Gaza Peace Summit would lead to lasting peace in the Middle East, India has expressed its firm opposition to unilateral moves to derail the peace process.
“The landmark initiative of the United States has generated diplomatic momentum towards peace and all parties must adhere to their obligations in this regard. We also remain firmly opposed to any unilateral moves by parties concerned. Now is the time for all parties to support ongoing peace efforts, rather than to derail them,” India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), P Harish, told an UNSC Quarterly Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Harish reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy and the two-state solution remained the means to achieve a lasting peace in the wider Middle-East.
"India has clearly condemned terrorism; stressed there must be an end to destruction, despair and suffering of civilians and sought the immediate release of all hostages; held that humanitarian assistance, particularly, food, fuel and other necessities must flow into Gaza in an unimpeded manner; and emphasized the need for a ceasefire," he said.
Harish said that the peace agreement should act as a "catalyst" to advance these aims.
The Indian PR expressed hope that the "short-term gains of the recent diplomatic outcomes" would pave the way for practical actions on the ground to realise the vision of a two-state solution. Harish also underscored India's unwavering support for "inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty".
"The two-state solution is the only pragmatic path. Since India’s recognition of the State of Palestine in 1988, India has consistently advocated certain critical parameters - a sovereign, independent, viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, within secure and recognized borders," the senior Indian diplomat said.
The debate was convened by Russia, for which the Indian diplomat thanked his Russian counterparts.
Further, Harish called for international economic aid for Palestine in the short-term for its rehabilitation and reconstruction. He noted that the viability of the Palestinian state would depend on the economic prospects.
"India has been active on this front. The total support by India to the Palestinian people is to the tune of over $170 million, which includes projects worth $40 million in various stages of implementation... Over the last two years alone, India has provided relief assistance of nearly 135 metric tons of medicines and supplies," Harish underscored.
Harish said that "peace and calm on the Palestinian front have implications for the wider region", also stating that New Delhi was for peace across the Middle East.
Commenting on the developments in Syria, Harish said that addressing the humanitarian challenges should remain one of the top priorities of the international community. Harish said that India has supplied around five metric tonnes of essential medicines to Syria in July.
As far as Lebanon is concerned, Harish reiterated the importance of safety and security of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in which India is the second-largest troop contributor.
"India remains hopeful that the Lebanese Armed Forces would be equipped to discharge the entire spectrum of its responsibilities once the UNIFIL sunset clause becomes operational towards the end of 2026," he said.
In Yemen, Harish said that humanitarian assistance to the local population should remain the priority of the international community, irrespective of political affiliations.
President Donald Trump, left, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wave as Netanyahu leaves the West Wing of the White House, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Washington.  - Sputnik India, 1920, 23.10.2025
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