July 26, 2022
Thank you, Mr. President. I thank UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East.
- We remain concerned over the developments in Israel and Palestine, in particular, the continued violent attacks and the killing of civilians and the acts of destruction and provocation. We have consistently advocated against all such acts of violence and reiterate our call for its complete cessation.
- All unilateral measures that unduly alter the status-quo on the ground and undercut the viability of the two-state solution must be eschewed. The international community and this Council must send a strong signal against any step preventing the possibility of durable peace between Israel and Palestine.
- We urge the parties to focus on addressing the urgent security and economic challenges, including the precarious financial situation of the Palestinian Authority, and chart a clear path for discussing key political issues. In this regard, we recognise the international community’s recent confidence-building measures for the Palestinians and the important steps Israel has taken to ease Palestine’s economic situation. Such initiatives are in the interest of both parties and help maintain stability and discourage the possible recurrence of terror and violence. Moreover, these initiatives should create a conducive environment leading to political dialogue.
- We reiterate the need for an early resumption of the political course by launching credible direct negotiations on all final status issues. India has consistently called for direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, which, we believe, is the best path towards achieving the goal of a two-state solution. These negotiations must be based on the internationally agreed framework, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for Statehood and Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
- Intra-Palestinian unity is critical for the well-being of the Palestinian people. We hope that efforts to achieve reconciliation between all Palestinian parties will bear fruit soon and help in overcoming the current stalemate, leading to legislative and Presidential elections in Palestine.
Mr. President,
- India has vital stakes in peace and prosperity in the Middle East. During a recent virtual I2U2 summit, the leaders of India, Israel, the UAE and the US agreed to increase joint investment in six key areas of water, energy, transport, space, health and food security. We are confident that with I2U2, we will make significant contributions to energy security, food security and economic growth in the Middle East and South Asia.
- We believe that the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict would bring lasting peace and stability to the region. The absence of a political settlement between Israel and Palestine does not augur well for long-term regional peace and stability. Therefore, in addition to the stated political support for a two-state solution, the international community must expend energies and political capital to reinvigorate the Middle East peace process.
- Given our long-standing and firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, within secure, recognized and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, India will remain fully supportive of all efforts to restart the peace process.
I thank you.