Dialogue Only Viable Option To Resolve Gaza Crisis: India

UNITED NATIONS: India has said the current crisis in Gaza can be resolved through a negotiated political settlement and dialogue remains the "only viable option" to effectively address issues confronting the region and its people.

"We endorse completely Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's statement this morning that a crisis such as the one we see in Gaza can only be resolved through a negotiated political settlement with the required political will and leadership of the negotiating parties," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji told the UN General Assembly.

A 72-hour ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Tuesday and has brought relief to millions on both sides after one month of fighting killed nearly 1,900 Palestinians and 67 people in Israel, mostly soldiers.

Mukerji said India followed the current situation in Gaza with a "great deal of concern" and supports all efforts to sustain the ceasefire.

He said India believes that a sustainable ceasefire will be linked to the resumption of the peace process for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue.

"India remains firmly convinced that dialogue remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people," he said.

READ MORE: 10 Events That Shook The World