Regarding the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized that while terrorism is deemed “unacceptable,” a resolution to the Palestinian issue is also essential. He made these remarks during the Joint Secretary Session of the Senate’s External Affairs and Defence Commission in Rome.
Addressing the session, Jaishankar highlighted the significant act of terrorism on October 7 and subsequent events, which have altered the dynamics of the entire region. He expressed the hope that the ongoing conflict cannot become the new norm and that stability and cooperation can be restored.
The External Affairs Minister stressed the need to strike a balance between different aspects of the situation and reiterated India’s support for a ‘two-state’ solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“While we all unequivocally denounce terrorism, we must also acknowledge the Palestinian issue. It is imperative to find solutions to the challenges faced by the Palestinian people,” Jaishankar stated.
Supporting a two-state solution for the Middle East crisis, he underlined the importance of dialogue and negotiations in resolving the current crisis.
“We firmly believe that a two-state solution is the way forward. Resolution should be sought through dialogue and negotiation rather than conflict and terrorism. Given the present circumstances, we believe it’s crucial to uphold humanitarian law. Striking the right balance is wise in any complex situation,” he added.
India has consistently advocated for a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel.
“India has consistently called for the resumption of direct talks to establish an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state with secure and recognized borders, coexisting in peace with Israel. This stance remains unchanged,” stated MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi after the events of October 7.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to condemn the attack by Hamas and express full solidarity with Israel.
On October 7, more than 2,000 individuals crossed the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip and carried out a devastating attack, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 lives and the hostage-taking of more than 200 people. In response, Israel launched a robust counteroffensive against Hamas’s terror units. According to the Gaza ministry, over 8,000 individuals have lost their lives in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The region is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis and human rights organizations have called for increased aid to address the situation.
