India Calls for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release at UN

Post by : Jyoti Singh

Photo: PTI

India Appeals for End to Gaza Hostilities at UN Security Council. Ambassador Harish calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and peace through talks

New York, July 24, 2025India’s Permanent

Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, spoke on behalf of India during the UN Security Council’s Quarterly Open Debate on the Middle East, which also covered the current Palestinian issue.

Ambassador Harish opened with a deep concern for the ongoing human suffering in Gaza, noting that the city is facing severe shortages of food, fuel, medical care, and access to schools. He said that the situation in Gaza is causing daily hardships for many families

Intermittent pauses in hostilities are not enough,” he said. These brief breaks in fighting do little to fix the real problems felt by people

India’s Key Requests

During his speech, Ambassador Harish stressed that the only way to ease suffering and bring hope is through a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He urged:

1. Immediate ceasefire – All fighting should stop for good.
2. Release of all hostages – Every person held must be freed.
3. Safe, continuous humanitarian aid – Food, medicine, and care should reach those in need without delay or danger

He also emphasised that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths” to address the crisis, warning that there are “no other fixes or solutions

Dire Conditions in Gaza

Ambassador Harish highlighted alarming facts:

• About 95% of hospitals in Gaza are damaged or destroyed, according to the World Health Organisation.
• More than 650,000 children have not gone to school for nearly two years, per UN human rights data.

He warned that these conditions put the entire region at risk and called for urgent action: “The ongoing human suffering must not be allowed to continue.

India’s Path to a Two-State Solution

India expressed its lasting support for a two-State solution—a vision in which Israel and Palestine live peacefully side by side, each as a sovereign nation with agreed borders.

Ambassador Harish welcomed an upcoming UN High-Level Conference on this issue, hoping it would lead to concrete steps” toward peace

He also reaffirmed India’s bond with the Palestinians, stating:

India has always stood by them ... our commitment … is unwavering.” He added that India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the State.

India’s Historical Stand

India has supported key UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire and hostage release, including votes in favour of the UN General Assembly moves in late 2023. At this Security Council session, India urged member states to respect international humanitarian law and the rights of civilians India

Why India Spoke Up

Ambassador Harish said that peace must be prioritised, not brief pauses in fighting. He called for uninterrupted humanitarian access and stressed that the world cannot ignore the worsening crisis. India’s position is that lasting peace can only come through broad discussions and peaceful talks, not quick, temporary stops.

Seven-Part Call to Action

India’s plea to the UN Security Council included seven clear points:

1. Call for a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza.
2. Demand the swift release of all hostages.
3. Emphasise continuous humanitarian aid delivery.
4. Point out the collapse of health and education systems.
5. Urge members to follow international humanitarian law.
6. Promote dialogue and diplomacy as the roadmap to peace.
7. Reinforce India’s unwavering support for Palestine and the two-state vision.

Bridging Crises and Solutions

Ambassador Harish also shared that India is helping the Palestinians through over USD 40 million in support projects for Gaza. These are being carried out in partnership with agencies

These projects focus on health, education, water, and shelter—helping communities survive and recover. India’s effort reflects its deep and long-term commitment to the well-being and stability of the Palestinian people.

Quoting India at the UN

Ambassador Harish’s words at the Council meeting captured India’s stance:

The way ahead is clear … the ongoing human suffering must not be allowed to continue.

There is no substitute for peace. A ceasefire must be put in place. All hostages must be released.

Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths There are no other fixes or solutions

India’s message at the UN Security Council is strong and clear: lasting peace in Gaza and the wider Middle East requires a full ceasefire, release of hostages, safe humanitarian aid, and constructive talks.

India continues to stand by the Palestinian people, working alongside the international community to protect lives and create a path toward peace and stability. Ambassador Harish’s address reiterates that empty pauses in fighting will not end the conflict—only a firm commitment to peace through diplomacy can make that possible.