Gaza violence: India, Brazil, South Africa call for dialogue

New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) India, Brazil and South Africa have condemned the ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine and urged them to exercise maximum restraint and to resume direct talks to resolve the crisis.

The three countries, which form the IBSA grouping, underlined the need for diplomacy and urged all involved parties to avoid taking any action that may further worsen the situation.

The IBSA countries express their strongest condemnation of the ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine, that threatens the peace and security of the region, said a statement by the IBSA member−states Wednesday on “the situation between Israel and Palestine” in New York.

The IBSA countries deeply regret the loss of human lives and express their concern over the disproportionate and excessive use of force, said the statement.

The three countries “urge the parties to immediately cease all violence, to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid taking any action that may further exacerbate the situation.”

“They stress their expectation that the United Nations Security Council will do its utmost in the fulfillment of its responsibilities in regard to this serious situation.”

Underlining the urgent need to lift the blockade on Gaza, the IBSA countries reminded Israel that it is worsening the already dire socio−economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza.

They also expressed their strong support for the mediation efforts of the government of Egypt, the League of Arab States and UN Secretary General Ban Ki−moon aimed at achieving a negotiated ceasefire.

Under an Egypt brokered deal, Israel and Gaza militant groups have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Calling for a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question through a two−state solution, the three countries said only diplomacy and dialogue will lead to the resolution of the current crisis, “which makes it even more urgent to resume direct talks between Israel and Palestine”.

In view of the upcoming UN General Assembly discussion on the question of Palestine, India, Brazil and South Africa express their support for Palestine’s request to be accorded Observer State status in the United Nations system, the statement said.

IANS 2012-11-22 12:58:06