UNSC VTC Open debate

Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

[22 April 2021, 1000 hrs]

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Thank you Mr. President. I welcome the UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and Director of OCHA’s Coordination Division Rein Paulsen to this meeting and thank them for their briefing.

2. We are pleased to note the positive progress in the holding of Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for May 22. We also take note of the Special Coordinator’s observations on the impediments to these elections. As a democracy and as a long-standing friend, India has always supported a fair, credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process in Palestine, including by participating in electoral observation and providing election-related training to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission. India will continue to remain supportive of this process.

3. India’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is well-known. A negotiated two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations is the only viable solution to the conflict. Such a solution should fulfill Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, meet Israel’s security needs,  and resolve all final status issues.

4. As we reiterated earlier, Resolution 2334 adopted by the Security Council calls for advancing this two-state solution through negotiations as well as to reverse negative trends on the ground. This will create conditions for launching credible negotiations on all final status issues. We urge both parties to refrain from unilateral measures that vitiate conditions necessary for promoting peace and instead focus on bridging the trust deficit.

5. The international community should also encourage resumption of direct negotiations between the parties. India supports all efforts by the international community that seek to achieve durable peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. We acknowledge the important role of the Middle East Quartet in this regard.

Mr. President,

6. We remain concerned about the current COVID-19 situation in Palestine. The recent spike in the overall cases is once again threatening local health systems and disrupting economic and humanitarian activities, especially in Gaza. We commend the steps taken by the Palestinian Authority in addressing the current crisis. We welcome the efforts of the UN and its agencies to support the Palestinian Authority in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Palestinian territories.

7. COVID-19 is a common threat which knows no boundaries and endangers the lives of Israelis and Palestinians alike. We welcome the cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and encourage the continuation of such efforts, including through smooth movement of vaccines, medical supplies and equipment, in particular to the population in Gaza. We are pleased that the first shipment consisting of 25,000 Indian vaccines reached Palestine on March 29.

8. We also appreciate the work of UNRWA to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on the Palestine refugee community in its areas of operation despite the severe challenges posed by the pandemic. In particular, the Agency’s relief interventions have played an important role in addressing the growing poverty among Palestinian refugees during the current pandemic. India is committed to contribute US$ 10 million to UNRWA for the biennium 2021-2022.

Mr. President,

9. Before concluding, let me once again reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to finding a just solution to the cause of Palestine and to its friendship with the Palestinian people. We have always focused on the importance of improving the overall quality of life in Palestine through our development assistance projects and capacity building programs for the Palestinian youth. Even amidst the pandemic, we have signed MoUs with authorities in Palestine for implementing quick impact projects, which will benefit local communities. I reaffirm India’s continued support towards Palestine and its people.

Thank you very much.

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