(a) whether the Government has made any changes in its stated position on Palestine and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether India has condemned the killing of civilians including children in Gaza; and
(c) if so, the details in this regard?
(a) whether the Government has made any changes in its stated position on Palestine and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether India has condemned the killing of civilians including children in Gaza; and
(c) if so, the details in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) There has not been any change in India’s stated position on the Palestinian issue. We have consistently extended strong support to the Palestinian cause, while maintaining good relations with Israel. This was stated categorically by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister in her reply to the Short Duration Discussion in Rajya Sabha on 21 July 2014.
(b) & (c) In our official statement issued on 10 July 2014, we expressed deep concern at the tragic loss of civilian lives in Gaza resulting from the steep escalation of violence in the region. This was reiterated by EAM in Rajya Sabha on 21 July 2014. Our concern for the killing of civilians in Gaza was also articulated in India’s statements made at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on 22 July 2014 as well as at the United Nations Human Rights Council on 23 July 2014.