India could be mediator in Israel-Palestine conflict – FM
India is well placed to play a mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, given its longstanding support for a two-state solution and strong ties with both sides, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has said.
Shahin is in New Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being hosted by the Indian government on Saturday. The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE.
Speaking exclusively to RT India on Friday, Shahin said that, as the war in Gaza continues, she is looking to India not only for humanitarian and economic support for Gaza and the West Bank, but also for diplomatic backing in international forums.
“Countries that have good relations with both can play a very important role in bridging and closing the gap,” Shahin said, noting that India’s ties with both Israel and Palestine give it unique leverage. Asked directly whether India could act as a mediator, she replied: “It could. If it wants to, it could. Because, as I said, it has good relations with both.”
Shahin stressed that the Palestinian leadership is seeking support and advocacy for peace, as well as recognition of “the rights of the Palestinians on their own state as a sovereign, independent state.”
Turning to Washington’s role since Donald Trump returned to office, Shahin described the US as Israel’s key ally and said it therefore has unmatched influence. She welcomed the US-brokered partial ceasefire in Gaza but insisted it must be sustained and followed by the full implementation of Trump’s proposed peace plan.
“We would like the Board of Peace to bring us closer to independence. But the priority right now is to have peace on the Gaza front and the atrocities committed in Gaza have a sustainable peace, ensure the entry of humanitarian assistance, ensure that we can start relief immediate relief efforts, the building of basic infrastructure for the basic services and move on into reconstruction.
But that board of peace also needs to look at the entirety of the state of Palestine under occupation, because what is happening on the West Bank is also very alarming,” she stressed.
Watch the full interview below:
