India Calls for Action Beyond Paper to Achieve Israel-Palestine Peace

At a high-level United Nations conference, India emphasized the urgency of pursuing a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted a need for actionable steps beyond mere declarations.

As co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, the conference produced the 'New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine.' The document insists that the existing hostilities in Gaza should cease immediately, emphasizing that Hamas needs to disarm and return control to the Palestinian Authority.

India stressed the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for unimpeded humanitarian aid. The call extends to ensure food, medical supplies, and essential services for the conflict-torn region. The conference saw UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arguing that the denial of a Palestinian state is not a viable alternative.

(With inputs from agencies.)