Deploring the continued Israeli blockade of Gaza, India on Wednesday said the international community had the duty to address the issue and ensure access of essential supplies to the civilian population.
The blockade is denial of "essential supply to the civilians in Gaza," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said here after addressing the India Business Summit.
"...the international community collectively has a duty to address it and give relief to the civilian population," he said amid rising tensions
over the enforcement of blockade by Israel on Gaza.
Sharma had on Tuesday said in Istanbul that peace and security in the region could be achieved only through peaceful dialogue and not through use
of force.
He pointed out that the civilian population especially women and children are the victims of the deadlock.
The Minister emphasised that both Israel and Palestine have to work to resolve their problems and the other nations of the region should create a
conducive environment for negotiations.
"...the lasting solution can only be the two-nation formula, which India supports," the minister added.
India has been supporting the cause of creation of the State of Palestine which lives in peace and harmony with Israel.
Sharma deplored the Israeli attack a few days back on a ship that was transporting aid to Gaza area and killing of people and warned that such
incidents could further aggravate the already tense situation in the region.