Statement by India under Agenda Item 2: Interactive Dialogue following High Commissioner’s report on Humanitarian Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (A/HRC/RES/52/3) during the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council (26 February – 5 April 2024) delivered by Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative
[Geneva, 29 February, 2024]
Thank you Mr. President
We thank the High Commissioner for his report.
- The situation in Palestine continues to be of grave concern, with large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially women and children, and an alarming humanitarian crisis. This is clearly unacceptable and we strongly condemn the death of all civilians.
- Mr. President, we must be clear that terrorism and hostage taking are unacceptable and deserve our unequivocal condemnation. India has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The return of hostages is imperative.
- We must also be clear about the universal obligation to observe International Humanitarian Law. Further, there is an immediate need for a sustainable humanitarian corridor to provide relief. The conflict must not spread within, or beyond the region. And let me emphasize that a two-state solution is necessary more than ever before. These are not choices, these are all musts and unless we are able to address all of them, we are not going to really solve the problem.
- India, on its part, will continue to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership and will also continue to send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine.
I thank you.
*****
