New Delhi, Feb 12, IRNA ,Expressing anguish over the misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, India has condemned the use of force and called upon all sides including Israel to exercise restraint.
“India has followed recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with deep concern and anguish. The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, is deplorable. India condemns the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to exercise restraint, said an official statement issued here Monday by External Affairs Ministry.
Recent moves by the Egyptian Government to address humanitarian needs through dialogue including among the Palestinian groups, deserve support.
However, peace cannot wait much longer, and threatens to become a casualty in the region and for its peoples,irrespective of boundaries, cultures and history.
The time to act is now with trust and understanding for a new beginning of hope and fulfillment, and an end to violence. It is imperative that normalcy be restored expeditiously so that the aspirations of the peoples in the region are realized.
In addition to the assistance already delivered by India to the people of Palestine, we stand ready to extend additional assistance to help the people of Palestine to overcome the suffering they are facing now.
A package of such assistance is being worked out and will be announced shortly. India also stands ready to help the peace process move forward.