India reaffirms support to Palestinian people

New Delhi, Nov 25 (UNI) India today re-affirmed ''consistent and unwavering support'' to Palestinian people and said a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region could be achieved through dialogue.

The dialogue should ensure that a sovereign, independent, united and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side within secured borders with the State of Israel, became a reality, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said here in his address on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

India has constantly supported Palestinians' struggle for a homeland in line with the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 242 and 338.

The two Resolutions call for a negotiated settlement resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and a united State of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side-by-side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and the UNSC Resolutions 1397 and 1515.

The Minister said India fully supported the revival of direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

''We look forward to the continuation of this constructive dialogue,'' he said.

The Minister also called for an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and easing of restrictions on free movement of people and goods within Palestine.

He also stressed to the need for ending the cycle of violence saying peace in the region required sustained and substantial negotiations among the parties.

''There can be no justification for denial of essential supplies including food and fuel to the civilian population in Gaza Strip numbering over a million people,'' the Minister added.

UNI RB SW AS1913