India Calls for Ceasefire and Peace in Gaza at UN Meeting
India’s Deputy Representative to the United Nations, R Ravindra, has called for an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the unconditional release of hostages. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s Open Debate on the Middle East, Ravindra highlighted India’s developmental assistance to Palestine, which amounts to nearly USD 120 million.
Ravindra stated, “India was among the countries which strongly and unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. We have also condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint, de-escalation, and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”
He urged adherence to international law and humanitarian law under all circumstances and reiterated the call for safe, timely, and sustained humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Ravindra also appreciated the roles of Qatar and Egypt in engaging with the leadership of Israel and Palestine.
India supports a two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign, viable, and independent state of Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel. Ravindra noted India’s participation in the International High-Level Conference on Urgent Humanitarian Response to Gaza held in Jordan last month.
He detailed India’s contributions to Palestine, including USD 35 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and an annual contribution of USD 5 million since 2018. The first tranche of this year’s contribution was transferred on July 15, 2024.
Concluding his remarks, Ravindra affirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability in West Asia.
Doubts Revealed
Ceasefire -: A ceasefire is when fighting stops for a while so that people can talk and try to make peace.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small area of land where many people live. It is part of Palestine and has been in conflict with Israel.
UN -: The UN, or United Nations, is a group of countries that work together to solve world problems and keep peace.
Deputy Representative -: A Deputy Representative is a person who speaks and acts on behalf of their country at important meetings.
UN Security Council -: The UN Security Council is a part of the United Nations that makes decisions about keeping peace and security in the world.
Hostages -: Hostages are people who are captured and held by someone, usually to get something in return.
Terror attacks -: Terror attacks are violent actions meant to scare people and cause harm, often for political reasons.
Two-state solution -: A two-state solution is an idea to create two separate countries, Israel and Palestine, so they can live peacefully side by side.
$120 million developmental assistance -: This means India gave $120 million to help build and improve things like schools and hospitals in Palestine.
UNRWA -: UNRWA stands for United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which helps Palestinian refugees with things like food, education, and healthcare.
Qatar -: Qatar is a small, rich country in the Middle East that helps in peace talks and solving conflicts.
Egypt -: Egypt is a large country in North Africa that also helps in peace talks and solving conflicts in the Middle East.
