United Nations, Oct 24 – India has hailed the recently signed Gaza Peace Agreement as a “landmark” achievement towards stability in the Middle East, emphasizing that a two-state solution is the only viable path to enduring peace between Israel and Palestine.

During the United Nations Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the Middle East, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, expressed India’s commitment to realizing a stable and peaceful Middle East, stating that “deprivation and indignity cannot be part of daily life; civilians must not die due to conflict.” He affirmed India’s readiness to contribute to this goal.

Ambassador Harish expressed hope that the “positive diplomatic momentum” from the recent peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh would result in lasting peace in the region. He commended the United States, particularly President Donald Trump, for their pivotal role in facilitating the peace agreement, and acknowledged the contributions of Egypt and Qatar.

Reiterating India’s long-standing position, Harish stated, “The two-state solution is the only pragmatic path,” urging all parties to support ongoing peace efforts rather than undermine them. India has consistently advocated for a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, coexisting peacefully with Israel within secure and recognized borders.

Harish emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy, along with the two-state solution, are essential for achieving peace. He noted that the recent initiative by the United States has generated diplomatic momentum, and all parties must fulfill their obligations. He firmly opposed any unilateral actions by involved parties.

Reflecting on the conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023, Harish reiterated India’s condemnation of terrorism, the call for an end to civilian suffering, the demand for the release of hostages, and the necessity for unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. He regarded the new peace agreement as a catalyst for these objectives.

He stated, “The short-term gains of the recent diplomatic outcomes must pave the way for medium to long-term political commitments and practical action on the ground towards the realization of a two-state solution.” Harish underscored India’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, referencing last month’s UN high-level conference on the two-state solution as a framework for progress.

On the humanitarian front, Harish highlighted that India has provided over USD 170 million in total support to Palestine, which includes USD 40 million for ongoing projects and 135 metric tons of medicines and relief supplies in the last two years. He stressed that the Palestinian people cannot rebuild their lives without international community support and called for the establishment of economic frameworks conducive to investment and employment.

He noted the broader implications of peace on the Palestinian front for the wider region, asserting that talks must continue with a steadfast belief in the power of dialogue and diplomacy.

Harish also addressed broader regional issues, including Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, reaffirming India’s humanitarian and peacekeeping contributions. On Syria, he reiterated India’s support for a “Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process” and honored Brigadier General Amitabh Jha, who was killed while serving as Acting Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in December 2024. India ranks as the third-largest troop contributor to UNDOF.

He emphasized the safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, where India is the second-largest contributor to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and expressed hope that the Lebanese Armed Forces would soon assume full control as the mission’s sunset clause approaches in 2026. Harish also called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Yemen to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to civilians, asserting that such assistance “must be above politics.”