India joins over 100 nations in condemning Israel’s 'unilateral' actions in West Bank

India has joined over 100 countries and global organisations in criticising Israel’s “unilateral” actions aimed at expanding what has been described as its “unlawful presence” in the West Bank.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the United Nations, issued on behalf of over 100 nations and organisations, condemned Israel’s unilateral measures and rejected any move towards annexation.

According to the statement, the signatories “strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank.” ”Such decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed. We underline in this regard our strong opposition to any form of annexation,” it said.

Earlier, 85 nations had condemned Israel’s unilateral measures and policies in the occupied West Bank through the statement issued on February 17. India was not among these initial nations that had jointly issued the statement.

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Later, New Delhi added its name to the joint statement that had over 100 nations and organisations.

The statement said the countries reiterated “our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.” ”Such measures violate international law, undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region, run counter to the Comprehensive Plan, and jeopardise the prospect of reaching a peace agreement ending the conflict,” it said.

The countries reaffirmed that a just and lasting settlement grounded in relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference including the land-for-peace principle and the Arab Peace Initiative, remains the only viable path. They stressed that ending the Israeli occupation and implementing a two-State solution are essential to ensuring long-term security and stability.

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India has consistently supported the creation of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security within secure and recognised borders, viewing it as central to a lasting resolution of the conflict.

India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the State of Palestine in 1988.

With inputs from agencies