India supports 'two-state solution' for Israel and Palestine at UN
India has reiterated its support for a "two-state solution" at the United Nations, amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed hope for Palestine's future membership in the UN and that the region's bid would be supported. "My leadership has repeatedly emphasized that only a two-state solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues, will deliver an enduring peace," Kamboj stated.
India's response to US veto on Palestinian statehood
Last month, the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution supporting Palestinian statehood, drawing criticism from several countries backing Palestine. On Wednesday, Kamboj addressed this issue, stating, "I would like to state here at the very outset that in keeping with India's longstanding position, we hope that this would be reconsidered in due course and that Palestine's endeavor to become a member of the UN will get endorsed."
India condemns civilian casualties amid ongoing conflict
Kamboj also highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians, particularly women and children. She underscored India's strong disapproval of civilian casualties in the conflict and insisted that all parties must respect international and humanitarian law under all circumstances. Referring to the attacks on Israel on October 7 as "shocking," she stressed they deserved "unequivocal condemnation." Since the Israel-Hamas war, over 34,000 Palestinians are reported to be have been killed, with children and women accounting for almost two-thirds.
Check out Kamboj's address at the UN
What is 'two-state solution'
The "two-state solution" is a plan to establish a Palestinian state separate from Israel. The objective is to address Palestinian demands to national self-determination without undermining Israeli sovereignty. The first attempt to establish side-by-side states happened prior to Israel's independence in 1948. In the previous year, the UN enacted Resolution 181, which proposed partitioning the Mandate of Palestine (under British rule) into Jewish and Arab states. However, the UN's proposed plan never panned out.
