Extraordinary Ministerial meeting (VTC) of the NAM Committee

on Palestine [June 22, 2021]

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Mr. Chairman,

I thank you for convening this extraordinary Ministerial meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine.

2. Let me begin by expressing our solidarity with the people of Palestine in their peaceful struggle for establishing an independent, viable, democratic State of Palestine. India firmly believes that there is no alternative to a two-State solution, which can deliver meaningful and enduring peace.

3. The situation in East Jerusalem and other Palestinian territories has been the focus of the UN since last month. The cycle of violence that resulted in the loss of precious human lives, including an Indian national, was halted with a ceasefire brought by concerted efforts and assurances of the international community. As a member of the NAM caucus in the Security Council, during the Security Council meetings, India called for an immediate de-escalation, urged both sides to show extreme restraint and desist from actions that exacerbated tensions. We expressed our deep concern over violence in Jerusalem, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, and the possible legal eviction of Palestinian residents in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem. We reiterated these apprehensions during the General Assembly special session on Palestine. We have also underlined the need to respect the historic status-quo in East Jerusalem and its neighborhoods during these meetings.

4. Despite the intense diplomatic efforts in recent weeks, the situation in East Jerusalem continues to remain tense. The resumption of hostilities in Gaza is also a worrying sign. All parties must honour the ongoing efforts to firm up the ceasefire arrangement, so as to ensure that relative calm is restored. We urge all parties to refrain from all acts of violence, provocation, intimidation and incitement. Any attempt to unilaterally change the status-quo undercuts the efforts to advance a negotiated two-State solution.

Mr. Chairman,

5. Delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza, and ensuring the smooth flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza through verified channels should be prioritized, as also the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza. We recognize the centrality of the Palestinian Authority for delivering international assistance to the Palestinian people. We encourage all Palestinian parties to put their differences aside and work with the Palestinian Authority to ensure the well-being of the people of Palestine. We welcome the role of the regional actors, especially Egypt and Jordan, in facilitating this reconciliation.

6. On our part, India continues to support Palestinian nation-building efforts under the India-Palestine developmental partnership, which cover wide-ranging sectors like health, education, women empowerment, technology etc. We are also supporting grass-root Palestinian institutions in their developmental initiatives. We have been assisting    Palestine in its fight against the pandemic through the supply of essential medicines and COVID-19 vaccines.  We are also supporting UNRWA’s activities.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The current developments in Palestine have once again underscored the need for immediate resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine to resolve all final status issues. India stands ready to support all diplomatic efforts, especially by the Quartet, which are aimed at strengthening the collective commitment of the international community to resume these negotiations and facilitate the peace process.

I thank you.

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