2 weeks ago
Palestine Backs India’s UN Bid, Seeks Gaza Peace Role
Palestine says India should have a bigger role in world diplomacy.
Its ambassador supports India joining the UN Security Council and eventually having a permanent seat.
He also wants India to help with peace efforts between Palestinians and Israelis.
India has relationships with both sides that could help it encourage talks.
Indian and Palestinian officials recently discussed the difficult situation in Gaza.
They talked about shortages of food, medicine and other supplies.
India is also helping plan a hospital, an artificial-limb centre and a training institute for Palestinians.
The officials said humanitarian aid should reach civilians safely and continuously.
Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Mohammad Abu Shawesh endorsed India’s bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2028-2029.
Shawesh said India deserves a permanent Security Council seat because of its significant political influence.
He urged New Delhi to use its ties and diplomatic weight to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and help end the occupation.
Indian and Palestinian officials discussed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, West Bank concerns and support for a negotiated two-state solution.
India-backed projects include a specialty hospital in Jenin, an artificial-limb centre and a vocational training institute.
- Who
- Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Mohammad Abu Shawesh, Indian diplomat Sripriya Ranganathan and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.
- What
- Palestine backed India’s UN Security Council ambitions and asked New Delhi to help advance peace efforts, while India-backed projects and humanitarian concerns were discussed.
- Where
- The briefing was held at the Palestinian Embassy in New Delhi, while the official meeting took place in Ramallah and projects are planned in Palestine, including Jenin in the West Bank.
- When
- The remarks were made Wednesday, after Sripriya Ranganathan arrived in Ramallah the previous day; the articles do not specify a date.
- Why
- Palestinian officials said India’s political influence could support the peace process and help address the humanitarian and development needs of Palestinians.
Key facts
- UN Security Council bid
- Palestine supports India’s bid for a non-permanent seat for 2028-2029.
- Permanent membership
- Abdullah Shawesh said India deserves a permanent Security Council seat.
- Gaza concerns
- Palestinian officials cited shortages of food, medicines and other essential supplies in Gaza.
- India’s diplomatic position
- India reiterated support for safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian assistance and a negotiated two-state solution.
- Jenin hospital
- Paperwork for the India-backed Specialty Hospital in Jenin has been finalised, with implementation in its final stages.
- Prosthetics centre
- An artificial-limb fitment centre is being proposed; Shawesh said about 5,000 to 6,000 Palestinians in Gaza have suffered amputations.
- Vocational institute
- A vocational training institute is planned to support Palestinian skills and employment opportunities.
Quotes
Abdullah M Abu Shawesh
Palestinian ambassador to India and former UN official
“"We believe India has significant political weight," Shawesh said, adding that he had seen India’s “very strong, significant and well‑respected political weight” during his years at the UN.”
firstpost.com
“"As Palestinians, we look forward to India utilising this significant political weight to push forward the peace process and bring an end to the Israeli occupation," he said.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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