United Nations, Oct 24: India has described the recently signed Gaza Peace Agreement as a “landmark step” toward achieving stability in the Middle East, reiterating that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
Speaking at the UN Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the Middle East on Thursday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said, “It is India’s earnest desire to realise the vision of a stable and peaceful Middle East… deprivation and indignity cannot be part of daily life; civilians must not die due to conflict.”
Harish expressed hope that the diplomatic momentum generated by the recent peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh would lead to enduring peace in the region. He lauded the United States, “especially President Donald Trump,” for playing a key role in brokering the deal, while also commending Egypt and Qatar for their mediation efforts.
Reaffirming India’s long-held position, Harish said, “The two-state solution is the only pragmatic path. Now is the time for all parties to support ongoing peace efforts rather than derail them.” He stressed that India continues to advocate a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, coexisting peacefully with Israel within secure and recognised borders.
India, he added, is firmly opposed to any unilateral actions that could undermine peace efforts, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to resolving the conflict.
Referring to India’s consistent stance since the October 7, 2023 conflict, Harish recalled that New Delhi had condemned terrorism, called for the release of hostages, and demanded unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. He said the new peace deal serves as “an enabler and a catalyst” for these goals.
On the humanitarian front, Harish noted that India has extended over USD 170 million in total support to Palestine, including USD 40 million worth of ongoing projects and 135 metric tons of medicines and relief supplies in the past two years. “The Palestinian people cannot rebuild their lives without the support of the international community,” he said.
Expanding on broader regional issues, Harish reaffirmed India’s support for a Syrian-led political process, paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha, who died while serving as Acting Force Commander of the UNDOF in December 2024, and highlighted India’s strong peacekeeping presence in Lebanon and Yemen.
He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen, stressing that humanitarian aid “must be above politics,” and reaffirmed India’s “abiding faith in the efficacy of dialogue and diplomacy” as the path to peace in the Middle East. (Agencies)
