Strong Condemnation of Terrorism, Yet Nuanced Approach: S Jaishankar on Israel-Gaza Conflict

Talking about the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that although terrorism is “unacceptable,” a resolution to the Palestine issue is equally necessary. He spoke at the External Affairs and Defence Commission of the Senate’s Joint Secretary Session in Rome.

“What happened on October 7 was a big act of terrorism,” Mr. Jaishankar said, addressing the group. “The subsequent acts happened after that.” This has changed the course of the entire region. However, everyone must undoubtedly hope that eventually “the conflict cannot become the norm for the region and that some stability and cooperation return.”

The EAM emphasised that varied concerns require a delicate balance and restated New Delhi’s support for a “two-state” resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Also Read: Antony Blinken arrives in Israel in search of concrete steps to protect civilians in Gaza

“We need to strike a balance between many issues inside this. as there isn’t a question. We must take a stand if there is a problem with terrorism and we all find it intolerable. However, there is also the Palestine problem. The issues that the Palestinian people are facing must be resolved, Mr. Jaishankar stated.

He stressed that communication and negotiations are essential to resolving the current issue and firmly supported the two-state solution to the Middle East’s ongoing problems.

We believe that a two-state solution is necessary. If a solution is to be found, it must be reached via discussion and compromise. Conflict and terrorism do not lead to solutions. Thus, we would also be in favour of that. We definitely think that humanitarian law ought to be upheld in light of the current circumstances. It is not sage to obtain the balance incorrectly in any complicated scenario,” he continued.

Also Read: ED raids 25 locations in Jaipur in Jal Jeevan Mission scam money laundering case

Notably, India has consistently supported the creation of a viable, autonomous state of Palestine that coexists peacefully with Israel.

“India has consistently pushed for the reopening of direct talks aimed at creating a viable, sovereign state of Palestine that coexists peacefully with Israel within safe, internationally recognised borders. Following the attacks on October 7, MEA spokeswoman Arindam Bagchi stated, “That position remains the same.”

One of the first world leaders to denounce the terror act carried out by Hamas and declare complete sympathy with Israel was Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Also Read: Pakistan’s general elections’ date changed, now to be conducted on February 8

Over 2000 terrorists broke through the border from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7, carrying out a horrifying terror attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1400 persons and the kidnapping of over 200 more.

Israel retaliated by mounting a fierce counteroffensive aimed at Hamas terror units. The Gaza ministry reports that over 8,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the area is experiencing a humanitarian crisis, and rights organisations have demanded far more relief than what is currently being provided.