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The ambassador noted that the Palestinian Embassy is in detailed discussions with India’s Ministry of External Affairs on further steps to support stability in the region, underlining close cooperation between the two countries.
Abdullah Abu Shawesh
New Delhi: India and Palestine share decades-long diplomatic relations, with New Delhi actively supporting Palestinian people both politically and financially, said Palestine’s Ambassador to India, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, in his exclusive interview with Firstpost. He highlighted India’s annual $5 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which assists Palestinian refugees, and recent votes in favour of UN resolutions supporting Palestine.
The ambassador noted that the Palestinian Embassy is in detailed discussions with India’s Ministry of External Affairs on further steps to support stability in the region, underlining close cooperation between the two countries. “Both sides are working very hard together to improve ties and take them a step forward,” he said.
Despite a ceasefire agreement under the US 20-point peace plan for Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Hunger, attacks, and civilian casualties continue, according to the UN and other international organizations. The ambassador shared that 14 members of his own family were recently killed in Gaza, underscoring the ongoing human cost.
Ambassador Shawesh attributed delays in implementing the second phase of the ceasefire to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that obstacles continue to prevent full peace measures from taking effect.
In response, he noted that several Western countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, recently recognized the Palestinian state, strengthening the two-state solution. However, he described these steps as “too late,” with recognition coming decades after India first acknowledged Palestine. He emphasized that lasting peace requires decisive international actions, including stopping flights to Israel and halting trade with Israeli settlements. These measures, he said, would weaken settlement expansion and comply with international law.
Regarding US-led peace efforts, Ambassador Shawesh said the 20-point Trump plan remains the only framework currently on the table. While he acknowledged concerns about the plan, he noted that it aims to reduce civilian casualties and prevent Palestinian children from dying due to hunger and malnutrition. Yet, reports indicate that many in Gaza continue to face daily hardship, highlighting the gap between policy and reality.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of Palestinian unity for long-term solutions. “When we talk about Gaza, we should talk about the unity of Palestinian territory. Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem should be tackled as one package,” he said. This approach, he added, is essential for any sustainable implementation of the two-state solution.
