In a bid to garner international support for peace and humanitarian relief in Gaza, Palestine has reached out to India, urging the country to play a pivotal role in advocating for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. Mohammad Mustafa, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine, formally addressed his appeal in a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating him on securing a third term in office.
Mustafa emphasized India’s significant influence on the global stage, particularly in matters concerning human rights and peacekeeping. He urged Prime Minister Modi to utilize India’s diplomatic leverage to push for a ceasefire, amplify humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and collaborate with the international community to safeguard Palestinian civilians amidst ongoing conflicts.
“It is imperative for India to utilise all diplomatic channels to call for an immediate ceasefire, increase humanitarian aid to Gaza to help alleviate the suffering, collaborate with the international community to ensure the protection and safety of Palestinian civilians, and take a resolute stance against the atrocities being perpetrated,” wrote Mustafa, as reported by various media outlets.
Mustafa’s letter underscored the importance of the longstanding and robust bilateral relations between India and Palestine. He expressed confidence that these ties, founded on mutual interests and enduring solidarity, will continue to grow stronger in the future.
“I would like to affirm the importance of advancing our bilateral relations and mutual interests which are based on a solid and long-lasting foundation. I am confident that these unbreakable ties will continue to strengthen and develop in the years to come,” he added.
The Palestinian Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for India's consistent support and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. He highlighted India’s historical stance and actions in favor of Palestinian rights and its recent support for a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
India, while not explicitly calling for a ceasefire in the latest escalations, has condemned civilian casualties and stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law. This position aligns with India's broader diplomatic approach, balancing its relations with Israel and its support for the Palestinian cause.
India has a notable history of supporting Palestine. It was the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. Additionally, India was among the earliest countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988, reflecting its long-standing commitment to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the call from Palestine for India’s intervention highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis and work towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict. The international community watches closely, anticipating India's next moves on the diplomatic front to influence peace and stability in the region.