India expresses concern over Palestine violence

United Nations, May 12: Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants, India has expressed deep concern at clashes and violence in Jerusalem's Temple Mount as well as over evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods and called on both sides to avoid changing the status-quo on the ground.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti tweeted that in the UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday on the escalation in East Jerusalem, he said that

India is deeply concerned at clashes & violence in Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount and equally concerned about evictions in Sheikh Jarrah & Silwan neighbourhoods.” He said India calls on both sides to avoid changing the statusquo on the ground. He added that the old city also houses Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya — The Indian Hospice.

India also condemned rocket fire from Gaza, Tirumurti tweeted.

India also and urged restraint of all parties and to adhere to Security Council resolution 2334, which reaffirms that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the twoState solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

The resolution also reiterates its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard.