Statement by Ambassador Asoke K. Mukerji, Permanent Representative of India at the informal meeting of the United Nations General Assembly concerning the situation in Gaza   (August 6, 2014)

Mr. President,

1. We thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this meeting.

2. I would like to thank the distinguished Secretary General and other distinguished members of the UN family for their comprehensive briefing this morning.

3. India has followed the current situation in Gaza with a great deal of concern. India supports all efforts to sustain the ceasefire.

Mr. President,

4. The briefing of the distinguished Secretary General this morning revealed the extent to which UN organizations and personnel, and the large number of civilians, have been the victims of the violence in Gaza. As a founder member of the United Nations, India strongly deplores any act of violence or threat of violence directed at the United Nations. We have, in other UN forums, drawn attention to the growing incidents of attacks on UN institutions, camps and peacekeepers, including in West Asia and Africa. We support strongly calls made this morning for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice the perpetrators of such acts. This is the only way to uphold the credibility of the United Nations, based on the rule of law.

Mr. President,

5. We endorse completely the distinguished Secretary Generals statement this morning that a crisis such as the one we see in Gaza can only be resolved through a negotiated political settlement, with the required political will and leadership of the negotiating parties.

6. We believe that a sustainable ceasefire will be linked to the resumption of the peace process for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue. India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people.

7. India has consistently held that the blockade of Gaza that adversely affects essential services, economic activities and infrastructure development must be lifted. We reiterate that this blockade and the issue of increasing settlement activities need to be addressed to take forward the peace process to reach a mutually acceptable political solution.

8. Indias deep association with, and continuing commitment to Palestine is rooted in our modern history that goes back to our struggle for independence. We would also like to reiterate our support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue based on the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and the Quartet Roadmap resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel.

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