UNITED NATIONS, Feb 20: India has aligned with more than 100 countries and international organisations in criticising Israel’s “unilateral” actions aimed at expanding what it described as its “unlawful presence” in the West Bank.
The statement, issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN on behalf of the signatories, condemned Israel’s unilateral measures and rejected annexation.
The countries “strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” the statement said, adding that such steps violate Israel’s obligations under international law and must be reversed immediately. It also underscored firm opposition to any form of annexation.
Earlier, 85 nations had issued a similar statement on February 17 denouncing Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank. India was not part of that initial group but later joined the expanded statement endorsed by over 100 countries and organisations.
The signatories reiterated their rejection of any actions seeking to alter the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. They said such measures breach international law, hinder peace and stability efforts, contradict the Comprehensive Plan, and jeopardise prospects for a negotiated settlement.
The statement reaffirmed that a just and lasting peace must be based on relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference — including the principle of land for peace — and the Arab Peace Initiative, calling for an end to Israeli occupation and implementation of the two-State solution as the only viable path to regional security and stability.
India has consistently supported the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, living side by side with Israel in peace and security within secure and recognised borders. New Delhi was the first non-Arab country to recognise the State of Palestine in 1988. (Agencies)
