New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on November 29, expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and reiterated India’s support for a negotiated two-state solution.
In a press statement released on November 26, Modi called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, an end to terrorism and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, emphasising the need for a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace with Israel. Modi also highlighted India’s role as a steadfast development partner for the Palestinian people.
The Embassy of the State of Palestine in India commemorated the day with a strong call for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza and an appeal for India’s continued backing for a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Embassy highlighted the devastating consequences of the prolonged Israeli offensive, citing a death toll exceeding 43,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and the near-total destruction of infrastructure in Gaza. They accused Israel of pursuing ethnic cleansing, using starvation as a weapon of war, and systematically targeting journalists. At least 188 media professionals have been killed, hindering the world’s ability to witness the full extent of the devastation.
Beyond the immediate violence, the embassy condemned what it termed Israel’s systematic policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank, isolating Palestinian cities and confiscating Palestinian funds. Furthermore, the statement criticised Israel’s increasingly adversarial stance toward the UN, including barring its secretary-general from entry and attempting to curtail the activities of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, a critical lifeline for Palestinian refugees. These actions, the embassy asserted, demonstrate Israel’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful peace negotiations and its disregard for international law.
Reaffirming their commitment to self-determination, the embassy declared the Palestinian people’s unwavering resolve to continue their struggle for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. They rejected all displacement policies and emphasised their faith in the UN and the principles of international justice. The statement underscored the urgent need for international intervention to protect Palestinian civilians and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
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On this day of solidarity, Palestine appealed to India, citing the historical friendship between the two nations, to leverage its influence to halt the Israeli aggression, provide humanitarian and financial support, and actively promote a just and lasting peace. The embassy expressed its continued belief in India’s role as a voice for peace and stability in the region, particularly in facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza.
The embassy statement also acknowledged significant milestones, such as Palestine’s 2012 recognition as a UN non-member observer state and the raising of the Palestinian flag at UN headquarters in 2015.
