Not US but India & China will lead the negotiations with Israel: Palestine envoy

Palestine’s ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Al Hayjaa made it clear on Saturday that it was no longer possible for his country to deal with Israel “as if nothing has happened.”

HYDERABAD: Palestine’s ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Al Hayjaa made it clear on Saturday that it was no longer possible for his country to deal with Israel “as if nothing has happened.” He called upon the international community to find a solution to the decades-old conflict. “A new mediating body of international community, including India and China, will head the negotiations between Israel and Palestine replacing Trump-led USA,” claimed the diplomat speaking at an event in Hyderabad. 

Former Union Minister and Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya said he would take up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify India’s stand on Washington announcing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We will never allow Trump’s declaration to pass,” said Adnan. “We Arabs are planning a new body as US has lost its legitimacy to mediate the dispute. Israel will have to be brought on board through a United Nations intervention,” he said. “Trump’s unilateral step will encourage Islamic extremists and transform a political problem into a religious one.” 

“When I meet the Prime Minister next week, I will explain to him about this meeting expressing solidarity with Palestine. India’s position is to preserve our national interest. Modi is visiting Israel next year. We will discuss along these lines before that,” Dattatreya said. Though India has not reacted to US’ move, New Delhi’s policy vis-a-vis Palestine has seen a tremendous shift in the last few years. 

In 2015, India abstained from a crucial vote against Israel in the UN Human Rights Council. Again earlier this year, Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel while giving Palestine a miss. 
However, earlier this month Adnan claimed that Modi would be visiting Palestine early 2018.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com