India backs UNHRC for international probe into Israeli strikes in Gaza

A statement by India at the 21st Special Session of Human Rights Council said India is "deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza and disproportionate use of force on ground, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives, especially women and children and heavy damage to property. "

"The Government of India is closely monitoring the situation unfolding and supports all efforts for an immediate ceasefire between the parties involved," it said.

"We are deeply concerned at the human rights situation in Occupied Palestine Territory including East Jerusalem, as also at the violence by non-state actors in the region which have the effect of serving as avoidable obstacles to the peace process, as well as to the realization of the legitimate aspirations of both the peoples to co-exist in peace and security. We call upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation, and threaten peace and security of the region. India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people," India said.

India, along with its IBSA partners, reiterated its commitment to promote dialogue and understanding with a view to ensuring enjoyment of human rights in Palestine and Israel.

"Again, at the recent BRICS Summit in Fortaleza Brazil, India along with BRICS partners reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and called upon both sides to resume negotiations leading to a two-State solution with a contiguous and economically viable Palestine State," India said.

"India’s deep association with, and continuing commitment to, Palestine is rooted in our modern history that goes back to our struggle for independence. India believes that the solution to the Palestine issue should be based on the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and the Quartet Roadmap resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders side-by-side at peace with Israel and with East Jerusalem as its capital," said India.

"We once again urge for an immediate ceasefire to stop the violence and bloodshed and call on both sides to start a process of peaceful dialogue," said the statement by India.

Meeting in an emergency session on Wednesday, the Council adopted a resolution agreeing to send the investigative team by a vote of 29 countries in favour, with 17 abstentions and a sole negative vote by the United States, in which it strongly condemned the failure of Israel to end its prolonged occupation of the area.

The Council condemned in the strongest terms the “widespread, systematic and gross violations of international human rights and fundamental freedoms” arising from the Israeli military operations since 13 June, and called for an immediate ceasefire.

“The Council further condemned all violence against civilians wherever it occurred, including the killing of two Israeli civilians as a result of rocket fire,” according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

In the resolution, the Council also demanded that Israel immediately reopen the occupied Gaza Strip and called upon the international community to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance and services to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.