In response to the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Rafah, India has issued a stern condemnation of the loss of Palestinian civilian lives. The intensification of violence in the Gaza Strip has sparked international concern, prompting India to join the global call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties.
The conflict in Rafah has seen a significant escalation in recent days, with Israeli airstrikes targeting various civilian infrastructure and residential areas. The relentless bombardment has resulted in a tragic loss of innocent lives and widespread devastation, drawing condemnation from the international community.
India, a steadfast supporter of Palestinian rights and a proponent of peaceful conflict resolution, has reiterated its commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilian lives. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, India emphasized the need for all parties to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to de-escalate tensions and find a sustainable solution.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted India’s historical stance on the Palestinian cause, stating, “India was among the earliest nations to formally recognize the state of Palestine back in the late 1980s. We have consistently advocated for a two-state solution, envisioning the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestinian state within mutually agreed borders, coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.”
Expressing concern over the tragic loss of civilian lives in the displacement camp in Rafah, Jaiswal emphasized, “The heartbreaking loss of civilian lives in the Rafah displacement camp is deeply troubling. India has consistently called for the protection of civilian populations and adherence to international humanitarian law throughout the ongoing conflict.”
The indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including women and children, has been met with outrage from Indian officials and civil society organizations. India has called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, India’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy for decades.
In 1974, India made history by becoming the first non-Arab state to formally recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Then, in 1988, India was among the earliest nations to extend recognition to the Palestinian state. The ministry’s statement highlights that India established its Representative Office in Gaza in 1996, relocating it to Ramallah in 2003.
Over the years, there have been regular exchanges of high-level visits between India and Palestine, underscoring the strength of bilateral relations. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Palestine on February 10, 2018, marked a historic milestone, being the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the region. Similarly, former President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Palestine in October 2015 was also a significant first in diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
As the death toll continues to mount and the humanitarian situation worsens in Rafah, India stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people. It reaffirms its support for their legitimate aspirations for statehood and self-determination. The Indian government has called upon the international community, including the United Nations and relevant stakeholders, to intensify efforts to facilitate a ceasefire and pave the way for meaningful negotiations towards a two-state solution.
India’s condemnation of civilian casualties in Rafah underscores its unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and stability in the Middle East region. The Indian government remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and find a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that addresses the legitimate grievances of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Apart from offering robust political backing, the statement highlights India’s substantial economic aid to the Palestinian community. This assistance encompasses financing projects such as the construction of the Jawaharlal Nehru Library at Al Azhar University in Gaza and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-student activity center at Palestine Technical College.
India has actively championed the Palestinian cause on various international platforms. According to the note, during the 53rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India not only co-sponsored but also voted in favor of the draft resolution concerning “the right of Palestinians to self-determination.”
Furthermore, in 2015, India contributed to the construction of two schools: the Jawaharlal Nehru Secondary School for Boys in Abu Dees and the Jawaharlal Nehru Secondary School for Girls in Ashira Al-Shamaliya. Additionally, India established the India-Palestine Centre of Excellence in ICT at Al-Quds University in Abu Dees, a Digital Learning and Innovation Centre at Al-Quds University in Ramallah, and provided vocational training equipment to centers in Yatta and Hebron.
