india-condemns-unacceptable-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza

India hailed the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan as a "positive step." India emphasised that the humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is "simply unacceptable."

 

"We are deeply troubled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has deepened, and instability has been increasing in the region and beyond," India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, told a UN General Assembly meeting on Monday.

 

India sees the adoption of a resolution by the UN Security Council on March 25 as a positive step. Kamboj highlighted that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly among women and children.

 

"The resulting humanitarian crisis is simply unacceptable," she said, adding that Delhi has strongly condemned the deaths of civilians in the conflict, and it is imperative to avoid the loss of civilian lives in any conflict situation.

 

The UNSC resolution, adopted last month, demanded an "immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire." 

 

Kamboj emphasised that India's stance on the conflict has been clearly communicated on numerous occasions by the country's leadership.

 

She said there can be no justification for terror attacks or hostage-taking and stressed that the terror attacks on Israel on October 7 last year were shocking and deserved "our unequivocal condemnation." 

 

"India has a long-standing and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," Kamboj said.

 

India expressed its concern regarding the "dire" humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the urgent need to increase humanitarian assistance to the people in the region promptly to prevent any further deterioration in the situation.

 

She noted that India has provided humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and "will continue to do so." 

 

"We are committed to supporting a two-state solution where the Palestinian people are able to live freely in an independent country within secure borders with due regard to the security needs of Israel," she added.