‘Will continue sending humanitarian aid to Palestinians’: India at UNSC on Israel-Hamas war
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the United Nations Ambassador R Ravindra on Wednesday reiterated New Delhi’s efforts to send humanitarian assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, saying that while they have sent 38 tons of food and critical medical equipment, they will continue to do so.
Speaking at the UN Security Council (UNSC) on the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Ambassador said, “We continue to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership, which covers a wide range of sectors including health, education, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and information technology…In these challenging times, India will continue to send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine.”
India on Sunday sent a military heavy lift aircraft with around 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the Palestinians.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation and loss of civilian lives in the war, Ravindra said, “The October 7 terror attacks in Israel were shocking and we condemn them unequivocally…Our PM was one of the first global leaders to have conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives and prayers for the innocent victims and their families. We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks…Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
“Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. All parties must protect civilians, especially women and children,” he added.
India also called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, adding that “every effort must be made to create conducive conditions for the resumption of these talks.”
The ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas militant group entered its 19th day on Wednesday with over 6,000 being killed on both sides. The conflict was triggered by unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7 that killed at least 1,400 Israelis. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday reportedly announced that they were ready to ‘invade’ Gaza.