Peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict would bring lasting peace and stability to the region, India said

Expressing concern over the developments in Israel and Palestine, India has reiterated its call for direct peace negotiations between the two sides.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, India's representative voiced concern about the recent events in Israel and Palestine, including violent attacks, the slaughter of people, and provocative conduct.

"We reiterate the need for an early resumption of the political course by launching credible direct negotiations on all final status issues," Charge d'affaires of India's Permanent Mission to the UN R Ravindra. He was participating in the UN Security Council Open Debate on MiddleEast including the Palestinian question.

Ravindra pointed out that India had consistently called for direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine as the best path towards achieving the goal of a two-state solution. "These negotiations must be based on the internationally agreed framework, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for Statehood and Israel’s legitimate security concerns," he stated.

Arguing that Intra-Palestinian unity was critical for the well-being of the Palestinian people, he expressed the hope that efforts to achieve reconciliation between all Palestinian parties will bear fruit soon and help in overcoming the current stalemate, leading to legislative and Presidential elections in Palestine.

"We believe that the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict would bring lasting peace and stability to the region," Ravindra said, adding that the absence of a political settlement between Israel and Palestine does not augur well for long-term regional peace and stability.

"Therefore, in addition to the stated political support for a two-state solution, the international community must expend energies and political capital to reinvigorate the Middle East peace process," he stated.

The Charge d'Affaires stated in his remarks that India acknowledges the confidence-building efforts made by the international community for the Palestinians as well as the actions taken by Israel to improve Palestine's economic status.

He emphasized that these actions will support stability and help avert the potential repeat of terror and bloodshed.

India stressed that dialogue between states must be based on the globally recognized framework that takes into account the genuine aspirations of Palestinians and Israel's security concerns.

India also urged the parties to concentrate on resolving issues related to economics and security, notably the Palestinian Authority's dire financial status.