India hopes for early resumption of dialogue between Palestine, Israel
What's the story
Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India hopes for an early resumption of dialogue between Palestine and Israel for moving towards a comprehensive and negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that began in the mid-20th century. The Prime Minister was delivering a message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. Here's more.
Ties
Annual scholarships for Palestinian students increased: India
Modi underscored that historical ties between India and Palestine have further strengthened in recent years, adding that his visit to Ramallah in February this year was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine. "The visit was an assertion of India's strong commitment for the development of Palestine," he said. India has announced an increase in the annual scholarships for Palestinian students.
Information
India announced projects in Palestine, including specialty hospital construction
India had also announced six new projects in Palestine including construction of a specialty hospital and an increase in its annual contribution to UNRWA. "Our financial and technical assistance is an expression of our strong resolve to strengthen Palestinian institutions," Modi said.
Statements
UN chief said two-State solution only option for lasting peace
In his message yesterday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a two-State solution where Israel and Palestine live side-by-side as sovereign nations is still "the only option" for lasting peace. Guterres said more than 40 years ago, the General Assembly established an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people to remind "us of our collective, unfinished task of resolving the question of Palestine."
Request
Guterres asked for Jerusalem to be capital of both states
Guterres called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders "to restore faith in the promise" of the UN General Assembly resolution of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines. He also asked for Jerusalem to be the capital of both states and East Jerusalem the capital of the Palestinian state.
Contribution
India increased annual financial contribution five-fold to UN budget
Meanwhile, India increased its annual financial contribution five-fold to the UNRWA's core budget, from $1mn in 2016 to $5mn in 2018. India is also committed to contribute $5mn in 2019. As part of its ongoing assistance programs in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts, India provides 150 places for Palestinian professionals every year in its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program.