Date:27/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/27/stories/2008112753191100.htm

National

India condemns Gaza blockade

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: India has condemned the recent upsurge of violence in the Gaza Strip and expressed concern at the adverse effects of Israel’s closure of access points into the area.

“There can be no justification for the denial of essential supplies, including food and fuel, to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip numbering over a million people. Like any other people in the world, Palestinian people have the undeniable right to live in a safe and dignified manner,” Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahmed said.

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

“We believe that the cycle of violence must end. Peace in the region requires sustained and substantial negotiations among the parties.”