Iran’s Ambassador to India says New Delhi possesses the potential to play a pivotal role in putting an end to the brutalities in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict
Our Bureau
Rome/New Delhi
Referring to the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that while terrorism is “unacceptable”, there also needs to be a solution for the issue of Palestine. He made the remarks at the Joint Secretary Session of the Senate’s External Affairs and Defense Commission, Rome.
Addressing the session, Jaishankar said, “What happened on October 7 was a big act of terrorism, the subsequent acts happening after that. This has taken the entire region into a different direction. But surely, it must be everybody’s hope that eventually…the conflict can’t be the normal of the region and that it comes back to some stability, some cooperation”.
The EAM noted that a balance needs to be struck on different issues and reiterated New Delhi’s position of a ‘two-state’ solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. “Within this we have to find a balance between different issues. Because there is no question. If there is issue of terrorism, and we all find terrorism unacceptable, we have to stand up. But there is also an issue of Palestine. There has to be solution for the problems faced by the Palestinian people,” Jaishankar said.
Firmly supporting the two-state solution to the ongoing Middle East crisis, he emphasized that dialogue and negotiations are imperative to resolve the current crisis. “Our view is that it has to be a two-state solution. If you have to find a solution, you have to find a solution through dialogue and negotiation. You cannot find a solution through conflict and terrorism. So, we would support that as well. Given the current situation…we do believe that humanitarian law must be respected. In any complex situation, it is not wise to not get the balance right,” he added.
Notably, India has always advocated for a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine that lives side by side at peace with Israel.
“India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders side by side at peace with Israel. That position remains the same,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said after the October 7 attacks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the terror attack by Hamas and express full solidarity with Israel. On October 7, over 2000 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip and carried out a horrific terror attack killing more than 1400 people and taking over 200 people as hostages. In response, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive targeting the terror units of Hamas. According to the ministry in Gaza, more than 8000 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The region is also reeling under a humanitarian crisis and rights groups have called on for much more aid than what is coming in currently.
Meanwhile, praising India for its morality and humanity on the global stage, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi has said that India possesses the potential to play a pivotal role in putting an end to the brutalities in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Iranian envoy took a sharp dig at Israel for its ground offensive in Gaza and said, “Undoubtedly, India boasts a rich history of upholding moral courage and showcasing the indomitable human spirit. With this in mind, I firmly believe that India will not turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In fact, India possesses the potential to play a pivotal role in putting an end to the brutalities inflicted by the Zionists.”
He said that as India aspires to become the voice of the Global South, it cannot be discussed without discussing the problems of people in Palestine. “India has always been a steadfast bastion of morality and humanity on the global stage. The indelible impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and his inspiring words on Palestine are etched into the collective memory of all. India aspires to become the voice of the global South, but we cannot discuss the global South without acknowledging the immense suffering endured by its people, particularly in the occupied lands of Palestine,” he said.
“The current situation presents a prime opportunity for India to lend its support to the voice of the global South,” he added.
