GA Plenary meeting on “The Question of Palestine” and “The Situation in the Middle East”

(01 December 2021; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

-----

Mr President, I take the floor to deliver India’s statement on the agenda items “The Question of Palestine” and “The situation in the Middle East”.

2. On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People observed on November 29, the Prime Minister of India extended his best wishes to the people of Palestine in their endeavour for statehood, peace and prosperity. In his message, he reaffirmed our relationship with the Palestinian people, which is based on deep-rooted historical and people-to-people ties. India’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict is consistent and well known. We hope for an early resumption of direct negotiations on the peace process between Israel and Palestine. The international community, the Middle East Quartet in particular, has an important role to play in reviving these negotiations.

3. Recent developments on the ground, however, could pose challenges for the resumption of the peace process. The continued acts of violence against civilians in both Israel and Palestine, as well as acts of destruction, are deeply concerning. We condemn these acts. Unilateral actions that unduly alter the status-quo on the ground and undercut the viability of the two-state solution must be avoided in the interest of peace and stability.

4. We are also worried by the violent incidents, provocation and incitement in Jerusalem. Given India’s historic connection to Jerusalem, the city and its holy sites have a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians, who visit them every year. The historic status-quo at the holy places of Jerusalem must be respected. We urge all sides to work cooperatively to defuse tensions and halt all provocations, incitement and violence in the city.

5. India welcomes the ongoing co-operation between Israel, Palestinian Authority and the regional countries. On our part, as a committed development partner of Palestine, India continues to provide developmental and humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine both bilaterally through the Palestinian Authority and contributions to the UN. Even during the pandemic, work on our developmental projects in Palestine like the India-Palestine technopark, the Women Empowerment Centre and the construction of schools have continued to progress.

6. We also appreciate the work of the UN and its agencies in ensuring the delivery of critical aid to Palestinians. We call for regular and predictable transfer of aid, as well as for appropriate use of such aid. India remains supportive of UNRWA’s role in human development and delivery of humanitarian services. India has fully disbursed its pledged contribution for 2021. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Shri. V. Muraleedharan participated in the recent UNRWA Ministerial conference in Brussels and renewed India’s commitment to continue to contribute USD 5 million to the Agency in 2022 also.

Mr President,

7. I reiterate the urgent need for resumption of direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine which will provide a sustainable platform to resolve all final status issues towards the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side, at peace with Israel. India stands ready to support all efforts aimed at the resumption of direct negotiations.

I thank you.

-----