In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas, reaffirming India's long-standing position on the Israel-Palestine issue. This move comes after PM Modi's expression of solidarity with Israel and his conversation with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Here's a closer look at India's stance on the Israel-Palestine issue and its recent actions.
PM Modi's Conversation with Palestine President Abbas
Prime Minister Modi spoke to President Mahmoud Abbas and extended condolences for the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, emphasizing India's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. In his tweet, PM Modi also expressed deep concern about terrorism, violence, and the deteriorating security situation in the region, reiterating India's principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue.
India's Long-Standing Position
India's approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent over the years. While India maintains strategic diplomatic ties with Israel and PM Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit both Israel and Palestine, its stance on the Israel-Palestine issue is rooted in the support for a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine. India advocates for the resumption of direct negotiations that would lead to the establishment of such a state, living peacefully within secure and recognized borders, side by side with Israel.
It's worth noting that in 2017, India voted against the United States and Israel's decision to declare Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, signaling its commitment to the principles of a two-state solution. This position reflects India's stand on the importance of a negotiated settlement and the recognition of the rights and aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
India's Stance Against Terrorism
India has been unequivocal in its condemnation of terrorism and violence in the region. The recent attack on a hospital in Gaza, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties, drew strong concern and shock from Prime Minister Modi. While no group claimed responsibility for the attack, the Israeli Defense Forces suggested that it may have been a result of a misfired rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an organization branded as a terrorist group by Israel and the United States.
In summary, India's stance on the Israel-Palestine issue remains one of advocating for a negotiated, peaceful resolution that ensures the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. Simultaneously, India strongly opposes terrorism and violence, as demonstrated by its condemnation of the recent hospital attack. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to evolve, India's position reflects its commitment to the principles of diplomacy, peace, and the well-being of the people in the region.
