New Delhi, July 23 (IANS): India Wednesday expressed concern at the UN Security Council and at the 21st special session of the Human Rights Council over the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine.
At the Security Council, India raised the issue during an open debate "Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine question", said a statement from the external affairs ministry.
"We in India are following the current situation with great deal of concern. We have called upon both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation and threaten the peace and security of the region.
"India supports all efforts for an immediate ceasefire between the parties involved," the statement quoted India's permanent representative at the UNSC as saying.
At the special session of the Human Rights Council, India said it was "deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine".
"... particularly heavy air strikes 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," said the ministry statement.
"The government is closely monitoring the situation unfolding and supports all efforts for an immediate ceasefire between the parties involved," it said.
India further said it 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 a united state of Palestine within secure and recognised borders side-by-side at peace with Israel and with East Jerusalem as its capital.