India expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and said that there should be a complete ceasefire. It also added that short breaks in fighting are not enough to deal with the serious problems faced by the people there.
India’s Ambassador to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, spoke at a UN Security Council debate on Wednesday, saying:
“Today’s meeting is happening while a serious humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza.”
He added that “Short breaks in fighting are not enough to solve the big humanitarian problems people are facing every day and like not having enough food and fuel, poor medical care, and no access to education.”
Ambassador Harish said that the path forward is also clear, and India has always stood by this view. He emphasized that the human suffering in Gaza must not be allowed to be continue.
He said that “Humanitarian aid must be delivered safely, regularly, and without delay. Peace is the only real solution.
A full of ceasefire must happen, and all hostages should be released.
Only dialogue and diplomacy can help achieve these goals and there are no shortcuts or other solutions.”
PR @AmbHarishP delivered 🇮🇳’s statement at the @UN Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/T7NNvIXzqk
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) July 23, 2025
He also said that he hopes the upcoming UN conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict will lead to real progress toward a two-state solution.
Speaking at the UN Security Council debate and chaired by Pakistan for the month of July and Ambassador Harish said that India shares a long-standing and strong relationship with the Palestinian people.
“We have always supported them, and our commitment to the Palestinian cause remains firm,” he said, adding that India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the State of Palestine.
He also called the situation in Gaza’s health and education sectors “deeply troubling”, noting that according to the World Health Organization, about 95% of hospitals in Gaza are either damaged or destroyed.
Harish said that, according to the UN Human Rights Office, more than 650,000 children have also been out of school for over 20 months.
He also mentioned that India is paying close attention to the upcoming High-Level International Conference on the two-State solution, which is scheduled to be held from July 28 to 30.
Ambassador Harish said that India hopes the upcoming international conference will lead to real steps toward achieving a two-State solution.
He added that India is always ready to support efforts that bring the hope to Palestinians and help achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
The high-level conference, originally set for June 17–20, was also postponed due to rising tensions. It will now be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France and is rescheduled for July 28–30.
UN Leaders Speak on the Importance of the Two-State Solution
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that despite the terrible situation in Gaza and the West Bank, it is crucial that to keep the two-State solution alive.
He asked that “If not two states, then what’s the alternative? One state where Palestinians are either expelled or forced to live without rights? That is completely unacceptable.”
He added, “It is the responsibility of the international community to protect and work toward the two-State solution.”
UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang called the conference a “crucial opportunity” and said:
“We must make sure it succeeds and sets us on an irreversible path toward a two-State solution.”
India’s Stand
India again stressed that lasting peace can only come through a two-State solution — where an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with agreed borders, exists peacefully alongside Israel.
Harish also shared that India is working on development projects worth over $40 million in Palestine to make a real difference in people’s daily lives, across sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
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