Lok Sabha Question No. 3200 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-13
Subject: India's Stance on Palestine Issue
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Shri Raja A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3200

## ANSWERED ON- 13/12/2024

## INDIA'S STANCE ON PALESTINE ISSUE

## 3200. SHRI AGA SYED RUHULLAH MEHDI SHRI RAJA A

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

- (a) whether the Government is concerned over the continuing conflict in Gaza region or on the issue of Palestine;
- (b) if so, the diplomatic efforts made along with other major countries to bring early ceasefire and to stop further escalation in the region;
- (c)   the   official   stance   of   India   in   the   United   Nations   forums   for supporting the Palestinian cause;
- (d) the decision of the Government of India on the aggression of Israel which   has   resulted   in   the   killing   of   thousands   of   innocent   people including children in Palestine; and
- (e)   the   decision   of   the   Government   of   India   on   Israel's   violation   of international commitments?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to e) India remains concerned at the evolving situation in West Asia and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Government have emphasized the need for safe, timely and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Since the beginning of the conflict, India has provided   around   70   MT   of   humanitarian   aid,   including   16.5   MT   of medicines and medical supplies in two tranches. It has also released $ 5 million last year and disbursed another $ 5 million this year to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees in Near East (UNRWA). Recently, 65 tonnes of medicines were also sent to UNRWA and Palestine Ministry of Health in October and November 2024.

India's policy towards Palestine has been long standing and includes support for a negotiated two State solution, and the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. India also supports Palestine's membership of the UN.

India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and also the loss of  civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas

conflict. India has called for a ceasefire, release of  all hostages and peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs have spoken to several leaders in the region and across the globe, including President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel and President and Foreign Minister of   Palestine.  India's   position   has   been   reiterated   in   various bilateral   and   multilateral   forums   such   as   UN,   BRICS,   NAM,   Voice   of Global South, etc. Prime Minister met the Palestine President on the sidelines of Summit of the Future in New York on 22 September 2024 and called for ceasefire, release of  hostages and return to path of dialogue and diplomacy.

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