India expressed “deep concern” over the escalation of conflict between Israel and Palestine, even as United Nations high Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said war crimes might have been committed in Gaza, at the special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday.
In a statement made at the 21st special session of the UNHRC — on the human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territory — India urged for an immediate ceasefire and called on both sides to resume dialogue
“India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza and disproportionate use of force on ground, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives, especially women and children,” said Asoke K. Mukerji, India’s permanent representative to the U.N., at the UNHRC.
Expressing concern at the human rights situation in “Occupied Palestine Territory including East Jerusalem,” and at the violence by “non-state actors in the region,” Mr. Mukerji said India was closely monitoring the situation.
The solution to the “Palestine issue,” India said, should be based on relevant U.N. resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and the Quartet Roadmap resulting in a “sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders side-by-side at peace with Israel and with East Jerusalem as its capital”.
“India’s deep association with, and continuing commitment to, Palestine is rooted in our modern history that goes back to our struggle for independence,” the statement said.
India also reiterated its joint stand — with IBSA and BRICS partners — to promote dialogue and understanding in Palestine and Israel.
“At the recent BRICS Summit in Fortaleza Brazil, India along with BRICS partners reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and called upon both sides to resume negotiations leading to a two-State solution with a contiguous and economically viable Palestine State,” it said.
