India committed to establishment of independent Palestine: MEA

“India is committed to the establishment of an independent, viable, democratic State of Palestine. There is no alternative to a two-state solution for ensuring meaningful and enduring peace,” Vikas Swarup, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said at a United Nations Security Council meeting in the Middle East, news agency ANI reported.

The MEA spokesperson also called for ” reinforced cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities in the area of humanitarian aid.”

Israel and Palestine agreed to a ceasefire on May 21 after 11 days of fighting, which killed over 250 people. Israel and Palestine have been at loggerheads for decades but the latest violence, in which both sides claimed victory, started after a conflict in Jerusalem.

Palestine and Israel can “restart the cycle of violence, resulting in immense suffering and deaths,” Vikas Swarup said. He said the recent developments in Palestine are of concern, and urged on both nations’ authorities to honour the ceasefire arrangement, ANI reported. 

The MEA at UNSC said, “There is a need for immediate resumption of the Middle East Peace Process and direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.” 

“India supports all diplomatic efforts, including by the Quartet, to strengthen collective commitment of international community for peace process,” news agency ANI quoted the MEA as saying.