Now, India says in UNSC Gaza ceasefire must be put in place

NEW DELHI: A ceasefire must be put in place in Gaza and all hostages released, said India participating in an open debate in the UNSC on the Middle East situation, including the Palestinian question.

Indian ambassador P Harish reiterated that the pathway to enduring peace is rooted in a two-State solution - one that establishes a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace.

"The way ahead is clear, and India has been consistent in this regard. The ongoing human suffering must not be allowed to continue. Humanitarian assistance needs to be facilitated in a safe, sustained and timely manner. There is no substitute to peace. A ceasefire must be put in place. All hostages must be released," said Harish, adding that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to achieving these objectives and that there are no other fixes or solutions.

India had earlier this year abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, even though it had underlined the significance of truce in its remarks.

"India shares historic and strong ties with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We have always stood by them and our commitment towards the Palestinian cause is unwavering," said Harish.