EAM Jaishankar highlights large scale civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis due to Israel-Hamas conflict
Maintaining that the concerns of the Palestinian people must be addressed in a serious and sustainable manner, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (November 21, 2023) reiterated India’s position of a two-State solution that is based on peaceful co-existence.
 
“We have been consistently supportive of international efforts towards this end,” he said while speaking at the extraordinary joint meeting of BRICS convened virtually by South Africa.
 
Speaking about the Israel-Hamas conflict, he noted that the immediate crisis was triggered by the terrorist attack of October 87, 2023.
 
“Where terrorism itself is concerned, none of us should or can compromise with it. Hostage taking is equally unacceptable and cannot be condoned. Subsequent developments have deepened our concern even more as we witness large scale civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. We strongly condemn any death of civilians,” EAM Jaishankar pointed out.
 
Along with the need for restraint and immediate humanitarian support, India also emphasizes peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, he added. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to several leaders in the region and across the world in this context. “He has highlighted the need to create conditions for peace and restart direct and meaningful peace negotiations,” EAM Jaishankar said.
 
He also used the opportunity to highlight how India has supported the socio-economic welfare of the Palestinian people and strengthening of their national institutions over the years. “Our development partnership is geared towards these objectives. We continue to provide assistance both bilaterally and through the UN,” he pointed out.

According to EAM Jaishankar, India’s economic assistance to Palestine, developmental projects there and financial support to Palestinian Authority reflect the Indian position. India remains supportive of the UN Relief and Welfare Agency's (UNRWA) role and has been contributing USD 5 million annually, he added.

In response to the crisis in Gaza, India has sent 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies. Thanking Egypt for facilitating this delivery, EAM Jaishankar said India’s relief assistance would continue.

“The international community is today facing a very complex situation that has many dimensions. We have to address them all; and yet, have to prioritize. Our endeavour should be to both make a difference on the ground immediately while also creating conditions for lasting solutions,” EAM Jaishankar pointed out.