India Has Always Stood With Palestine, Current Government Also Offers Full Support, Says Palestinian Ambassador
Kochi: India has consistently stood by Palestine, and the current government ruling the country also extends its full support, stated Abdullah Mohammed Abu Shawesh, the Palestinian Ambassador to India. He delivered these remarks at a Palestine solidarity conference organized by the Muslim League at Marine Drive, Kochi.
Ambassador Shawesh highlighted India’s unwavering commitment, telling the media after the conference, “A few days ago, the Narendra Modi government voted in favor of Palestine at the United Nations. Furthermore, India is assisting Palestine in numerous projects, including the establishment of hospitals. We are deeply satisfied with this support. India is always prepared to listen to Palestine.” He further clarified that Palestine does not need to interfere in India’s bilateral dealings with other countries, emphasizing that the support India provides at the UN and within Palestine itself is of paramount importance to them.
Panakkad Sayed Sadiqali Shihab Thangal, Chairman of the Muslim League National Political Affairs Committee, inaugurated the conference. He strongly condemned what he described as Israel’s continued “human hunting” and attempts to starve children. Thangal also criticized the United States for vetoing Palestine’s recognition, despite over 140 countries having already acknowledged it.
The Ambassador fondly recalled the historical support of Indian leaders Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, stating, “In 1947, when there was a discussion in the UN to divide Palestine, Mahatma Gandhi was the one who opposed it. His stance was that Palestine belongs to the Palestinian people.”
Ambassador Shawesh also shared his personal connection with former Union Minister and Muslim League leader E. Ahamed, recalling their close association. He revealed that he was born in a refugee camp in Gaza, emphasizing that the history of Palestine does not merely begin on October 7 but possesses profound and deep-seated roots.
Reiterating Gandhi’s words, the Ambassador stated, “In 1947, when there was a discussion in the United Nations to divide Palestine, Mahatma Gandhi was the great leader who opposed it. He said then that just as Britain belongs to the British, Palestine belongs to the Palestinians.”
The Ambassador further clarified that the Palestine issue is not a conflict between Muslims and Jews, but rather a profound humanitarian and international legal matter. He proudly added that India was the first country outside of Arab and Muslim nations to recognize Palestine as a state.
Hundreds of people from various sectors of society participated in the solidarity conference, demonstrating widespread support for the Palestinian cause.