WASHINGTON: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East is having a direct impact on the safety of maritime commercial traffic in the Indian Ocean, with some attacks occurring near India, according to a top Indian diplomat. R Ravindra, the deputy permanent representative of India to the United Nations, expressed his concerns during a UNSC Open Debate on the Middle East.He emphasized that this situation not only affects India’s energy and economic interests but is also a matter of great concern for the international community.
India has consistently advocated for the prevention of escalation and the continued delivery of humanitarian aid. Ravindra stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation and commended the efforts of the UN and the international community in this regard. India has already provided relief material to the Palestinian people in Gaza and has contributed USD 5 million, including USD 2.5 million in December, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support their core programs and services.
Reiterating India’s support for a two-state solution, Ravindra emphasized the need for direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides to achieve lasting peace. He called on all parties to de-escalate, avoid violence, and create conditions for the resumption of direct peace negotiations.
During the debate, Uzra Zeya, the under secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights of the United States, called on Israeli leaders to take necessary precautions to minimize civilian harm in line with international law. She also condemned attacks in the region by Iran and its proxies and emphasized the importance of a strong Palestinian Authority for peace.
United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres emphasized the rejection of a Two-State solution by any party and stressed that Israeli leaders’ recent rejection is unacceptable. He stated that the denial of the right to statehood would prolong the conflict indefinitely, and a One-State solution would be inconceivable. Guterres underscored the importance of the Two-State formula to address the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Riyad Al-Maliki, the minister for foreign affairs and expatriates of the state of Palestine, accused Israeli leaders of viewing the Palestinian people as a threat to be eliminated through death, displacement, or subjugation. The Israeli representative urged the council to focus on the security threats posed by Hamas, which exploits international aid and pursues genocidal goals against Israel.
Stephane Sejourne, the minister for Europe and foreign affairs of France, highlighted two possible options for the council. The first is division and argument, while the second is standing alongside both Israelis and Palestinians for peace. He acknowledged the difficulties both sides face in achieving peace.
Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the council for its inadequate response, attributing it to the position of the United States. He called for a world order based on international law with the United Nations at its center, rather than Anglo-Saxon rules. Lavrov pointed out that Western countries are focused on the aftermath of the conflict, blocking council efforts to call for a necessary ceasefire.
India has consistently advocated for the prevention of escalation and the continued delivery of humanitarian aid. Ravindra stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation and commended the efforts of the UN and the international community in this regard. India has already provided relief material to the Palestinian people in Gaza and has contributed USD 5 million, including USD 2.5 million in December, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support their core programs and services.
Reiterating India’s support for a two-state solution, Ravindra emphasized the need for direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides to achieve lasting peace. He called on all parties to de-escalate, avoid violence, and create conditions for the resumption of direct peace negotiations.
During the debate, Uzra Zeya, the under secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights of the United States, called on Israeli leaders to take necessary precautions to minimize civilian harm in line with international law. She also condemned attacks in the region by Iran and its proxies and emphasized the importance of a strong Palestinian Authority for peace.
United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres emphasized the rejection of a Two-State solution by any party and stressed that Israeli leaders’ recent rejection is unacceptable. He stated that the denial of the right to statehood would prolong the conflict indefinitely, and a One-State solution would be inconceivable. Guterres underscored the importance of the Two-State formula to address the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Riyad Al-Maliki, the minister for foreign affairs and expatriates of the state of Palestine, accused Israeli leaders of viewing the Palestinian people as a threat to be eliminated through death, displacement, or subjugation. The Israeli representative urged the council to focus on the security threats posed by Hamas, which exploits international aid and pursues genocidal goals against Israel.
Stephane Sejourne, the minister for Europe and foreign affairs of France, highlighted two possible options for the council. The first is division and argument, while the second is standing alongside both Israelis and Palestinians for peace. He acknowledged the difficulties both sides face in achieving peace.
Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the council for its inadequate response, attributing it to the position of the United States. He called for a world order based on international law with the United Nations at its center, rather than Anglo-Saxon rules. Lavrov pointed out that Western countries are focused on the aftermath of the conflict, blocking council efforts to call for a necessary ceasefire.