The Hindu : National : India condemns Israel’s use of force in Gaza

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Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008
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India condemns Israel’s use of force in Gaza

Special Correspondent

To step up aid to Palestinians facing blockade

Assistance package being worked out
Delhi urges support for Egypt’s move

NEW DELHI: India on Monday condemned Israel’s use of force against Palestinians in Gaza and said it was preparing a relief package for its civilians who were blockaded and denied basic amenities, including food and fuel.

Warning that in the absence of negotiations, peace “threatens to become a casualty in the region and for its peoples, irrespective of boundaries, cultures and history,” India said it was ready to extend additional assistance to help the people of Palestine.

“A package of such assistance is being worked out and will be announced shortly. India also stands ready to help the peace process move forward,” said a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.

India followed the recent events in Gaza and the West Bank with “deep concern and anguish,” the spokesperson said.

“The misery and hardship faced by the people of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, is deplorable. India condemns the use of force on the civilian population of Palestine and calls upon all sides, including Israel, to exercise restraint.”

Support for dialogue

New Delhi urged support for the recent moves by the Egyptian government to address humanitarian needs, including of the Palestinian groups, through dialogue.

“The time to act is now with trust and understanding for a new beginning of hope and fulfilment, and an end to violence. It is imperative to restore normality expeditiously so that the aspirations of the people of the region are realised,” the spokesperson said.

Sources in the Israeli Embassy here said the situation would improve if Hamas stopped firing rockets and mortars on its cities.

“Since Hamas took over the Gaza strip in a coup in June last year, 697 Qassam rockets and 822 mortar shells have been fired on cities in Israel without provocation. The situation will improve dramatically and all violence will cease, if Hamas stops firing on Israel,” said the Embassy sources.

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