The Indian government is concerned over the civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told the weekly news briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.
“We would urge the strict observance of international humanitarian law,” the MEA spokesperson said in response to a question from Sputnik India on New Delhi’s position on the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Bagchi also took the occasion to reiterate India’s policy position on Palestine.
“We are in favour of direct negotiations in establishing a two-state solution,” the MEA spokesperson said.
On Wednesday, a Brazil-sponsored UNSC resolution calling for a “humanitarian pause” in hostilities between Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas was vetoed by the United States.
The UNSC resolution was moved in the wake of the deadly air strike against the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza this week, killing over 500 patients, displaced persons, women and children among others.
While Hamas and the Gaza authorities have blamed IDF for the attack, Tel Aviv has said that the strike was a result of a “failed rocket launch” by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that “those involved (in carrying out the attack) should be held responsible”.
“Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern,” PM Modi posted on social media platform X.
India Continues to Support Palestine: MEA
In response to another question on whether India was providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine amid the worsening humanitarian situation, Bagchi highlighted that New Delhi was supporting Palestinians through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
“We have been supporting Palestine and Palestinian refugees through significant contribution through the UNRWA. A total of $29.53 million has been comtributed through UNRWA between 2002 and 2023,” he said.
Bagchi said that India’s annual contribution had increased from $1.25 million to $5 million in 2018
“And we have pledged this annual contribution for the next two years,” Bagchi stated.
No Equivocation on Terrorism: MEA
Bagchi also called for a united international stand against terrorism, as he reiterated New Delhi's condemnation of the Hamas’ attack against Israel on 7 October which led to IDF’s retaliatory strikes.
“We have strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack on Israel. The international community must stand together in combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the Indian official stated.
“There can be no equivocation on this,” Bagchi remarked.
Over 1,400 Israeli civilians were left dead in the deadly strike, which India has described as a terrorist attack. The IDF strikes have left nearly 3,478 Palestinians dead till Wednesday, according to Gaza authorities.