India for end to `vicious cycle` of violence in Gaza

Dharam Shourie
United Nations, Jan 16 (PTI) Warning that the West Asia
crisis would adversely affect the stability of the region and
world at large, India has asked the international community to
help end the "vicious cycle" of violence and counter violence
that has killed over a 1,000 Palestinians in the last 20 days.

"We regret the loss of all civilian lives – every
innocent life lost is one too many," Indian Deputy Permanent
Representative to UN Ambassador Ajai Malhotra said intervening
the General Assembly debate on the Israeli offensive on Gaza.

In line with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's call to the
international community to get together and restore peace in
the region, Malhotra expressed support for ongoing efforts,
including that of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to bring
about immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire as
demanded by the Security Council resolution.

Ban is currently meeting leaders in West Asia in his
intensive efforts to bring to an end the Israeli attack on
Gaza and the rocket firing by Hamas which controls the strip.

Malhotra also asked all parties concerned to comply with
the Council resolution.

India, he said, wants to see the creation of an
environment for earliest possible resumption of dialogue under
the peace process and seeks an immediate end to the suffering
of the people of Gaza.

He said the international community must work towards
bringing an end to the "vicious cycle" of violence and counter
violence, that would adversely affect the stability of the
region and the world at large.

In this context, Malhotra stressed the need for all
parties to fulfill their commitment under the 'Roadmap', a set
of parallel action drawn up by the International Quartet on
Middle East, for two States – Palestine and Israel – living
side by side in peace within their internationally recognised
borders.

"India remains steadfastly in support of a political
solution, based on the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.
It is important to move forward towards the early creation of
an independent, sovereign and viable State of Palestine,
living side by side with Israel, within secure and
internationally-recognised borders," he added.

Voicing concern over deteriorating humanitarian situation
in Gaza and "heart rending plight of the people", Malhotra
said the Indian government has pledged USD 1 million to UN
Relief and Works Agency in Near East (UNRWA), to provide
shelters, cash assistance and essential household items to the
affected families in Gaza.

Besides, India has also announced a grant of USD 10
million as budgetary support for Palestinian Authority and an
additional USD 10 million in project assistance.

Malhotra also stressed the need for assured humanitarian
access for the 1.5 million people of Gaza who, he said, are
living a permanent state of fright. "There is, therefore, an
urgent need for assured humanitarian access for provision of
essential commodities in Gaza."

Israel launched its war on December 27 in an effort to
stop militant rocket fire from Gaza. Some 1,100 Palestinians
have been killed, roughly half of them civilians, according to
UN and Palestinian medical officials. However, both Israel and
Hamas have refused to comply with the UNSC resolution calling
for ceasefire. PTI