India joined more than 100 countries and international organisations in endorsing a joint United Nations statement criticising Israel’s ongoing moves to consolidate control over the West Bank. The statement said such actions violate international law and undermine efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.
New Delhi signed on to the declaration late Wednesday, just before the deadline for the joint condemnation expired. The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel next week, during which he is also expected to address the Israeli Parliament.
“We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank,” the statement said. It added that such steps are inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under international law and “must be immediately reversed.”
The declaration also firmly opposed any form of annexation. “We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem,” it stated.
