‘Non-state actors biggest hurdle in peace process’
India has expressed serious concerns over violence by ‘non-State actors’ in Gaza region and termed them obstacles to the peace process. During an emergency meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, India urged both Palestine and Israel to immediately stop the violence and sort out their differences through a peaceful dialogue. India also conveyed its worries regarding human rights violations in the war zone and asked both sides to exercise restraint.
“The solution to the Palestine issue was a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine within recognised borders side-by-side and at peace with Israel and with East Jerusalem as its Capital,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukerji said.
“India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza and disproportionate use of force on the ground. We are deeply concerned over the human rights situation in Occupied Palestine Territory including East Jerusalem, as also at the violence by non-State actors in the region which have the effect of serving as avoidable obstacles to the peace process, as well as to the realisation of the legitimate aspirations of both the peoples to co-exist in peace and security. We call upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation, and threaten peace and security of the region,” said Mukerji.
India underlined its commitment, made both at BRICS and IBSA platforms, for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict while calling upon both sides to resume negotiations leading to a two-State solution with a contiguous and economically viable Palestine State. “India believes that the solution to the Palestine issue should be based on the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and the Quartet Roadmap resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine within secure and recognised borders side-by-side at peace with Israel and with East Jerusalem as its Capital,” the official said.
In Geneva UNHRC chief Navi Pillay feared Israel may be committing war crimes in Gaza, while calling for investigations by an enquiry commission. Israel’s envoy to the UNHRC in Geneva, Eviatar Manor, charged that the UN Human Rights Council failed to protect the human rights of Israelis. Israel criticised the convening of the Special Session as misguided, ill-conceived and counter-productive to efforts being made to end hostilities. “Hamas was committing war crimes when it fired rockets and missiles indiscriminately at Israeli towns. The Council could regain its moral authority by unequivocally condemning Hamas and rejecting outright the one-sided resolution,” Israel said.
However, Palestine argued that the fundamental right to life of the Palestinians was severely endangered since families were being killed, and journalists and medical teams were being targeted. It said a fact-finding mission should look into human rights violations perpetrated by Israel, which should visit Gaza with the Special Procedures mandate holders.