India had welcomed the ‘direct talks’ between Israel and Palestine. However the continued stalemate in the situation and hardening of positions is a matter of concern.

”We are hopeful of resumption of ‘direct talks’ leading to final resolution of the conflict. However it should be noted that the settlement activities by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories are not serving the cause of peace. We have called for an end to these Israeli settlements activities and will continue to do so in light of recent announcement by Israel to expand these settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. We also urge for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine,” “ said the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, E Ahamed on the occasion of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs, here on Thursday.

India believes belief that a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region can be achieved through negotiations and dialogue so that a sovereign, independent, viable State of Palestine living side by side within secured borders, with the State of Israel, becomes a reality.

“India, which has always played a proactive role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause in multilateral fora, co-sponsored this resolution on enhancing Palestine’s status in the UNGA,” he said.

India was the first non-Arab State to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1975 and in 1988 became one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine. India opened a Representative Office in Palestine in 1996 following the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority.

Since the opening of the Representative Office, India has also extended material assistance to the Palestinian National Authority and has been a partner in the socio-economic development of Palestine in its quest for a life of dignity and self reliance and a future full of promises.

On the recent Israeli attack on Gaza, Ahamed said : “It would be a remiss if I do not mention the recent events in Gaza that led to death of more than 150 Palestinians including innocent children and women, with injuries to more than 1200 people. We categorically condemn the violence in Gaza and I have no hesitation in saying that disproportionate use of force is completely unacceptable.”

The Minister also urged for the need to lift the blockage in Gaza which continues to worsen the already dire socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“In line with our support for United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, India supports a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders with East Jerusalem as its Capital, side by side and at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1397 & 1515, Ahamed said.

India has supported the Arab Peace Plan, which calls for withdrawal of Israel to pre-1967 borders, along with recognition of Israel and the establishment of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

During the recent visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to India in September this year, India pledged $ 10 million as budgetary support to Palestine, and signed three agreements for cooperation in the fields of information and communication technology, vocational training and construction of schools in Palestine.
India also contributes $ 1 million annually to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East - UNRWA - in addition to Indian’s generous support at various Donor conferences for the Palestinian people. Jointly with Brazil and South Africa as partners in IBSA, India is implementing developmental projects in Palestine.

The Palestinian Embassy has started functioning from its new building in Chanakyapuri in New Delhi, which was built as a gift of India to the Palestinian people. The building was formally inaugurated by President Mahmoud Abbas and the then Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on September 11, 2012.