The Tuesday Interview | 'We would like India to be a part of international initiative to rebuild Gaza'

In an exclusive interview with DH’s Viju Cherian, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Chargé d’Affaires at the Palestine Embassy in India, shared his insights on the latest developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Excerpts:

We’re having this conversation shortly after US President Donald Trump suggested to permanently “resettle” Palestinians out of Gaza as a humanitarian gesture. He has suggested US take ‘ownership’ of redeveloping the area, which he refers to as a ‘demolition site’, and ‘long-term’ US ownership of the territory. What are your views on this?

Our President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership has rejected Trump’s call to seize the Gaza Strip and displace Palestinians outside their homeland. Trump shows scant respect for any international law or human rights resolution. One must understand a point here: Who is attacking and demolishing Gaza? It is Israel’s indiscriminate bombing that is demolishing Gaza — and who is supporting Israel’s actions by providing military equipment and political backing at international forums? It’s the US!

How can he even imagine such a statement! Rather than bringing normalcy back to the region, his statements will create new problems. He is adding fuel to the fire. Almost every country, including US allies, has rejected this proposal.

What are the latest updates from the ground in Gaza? 

We are close to three weeks into implementing the first phase of the ceasefire. We hope the ceasefire is implemented as has been agreed upon. We hope that this leads to a permanent ceasefire, the prisoners from both sides are released, and finally the war ends. We need people to return to a normal life.

That said, the Israelis are posing many challenges to implementing this ceasefire. Recently two snipers from the Israeli forces shot dead two young men in Rafah. Now Right-wing extremists and settlers are targeting the West Bank, which has now become part of Israel’s aggression.

What should be the road ahead from here for lasting peace and prosperity in Palestine, and the region?

The one and only step that needs to be taken is to give the people of Palestine their legitimate right to create a state in accordance with the UN resolutions. Otherwise, peace will elude the region.

In the endeavour for lasting peace, where do you see Hamas?

There is a common misconception in the media that the conflict is between Israel and Hamas. This is wrong; the conflict is between the Palestinian people and Israel. Hamas is one of the many factions in Palestine, but the whole of Palestine is represented by the PLO.

Can you wish away the influence Hamas has among sections of Palestinians? Do you think it will be a stumbling block in the peace initiatives?

I am not a spokesman for Hamas. I, through the government, represent all the people of Palestine. I believe all the people of Palestine and all political factions are looking forward to an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as the capital, based on the 1967 UN resolution. This is a common objective.

How do you see India’s support for the Palestinian cause?

For us, India’s friendship and support for the Palestinian cause is decades old, and the strong ties continue even today. We keenly hope that India will play an important role in seeing that the ceasefire is entirely implemented. Secondly, during this ceasefire, we are looking forward to Indian assistance through medicines and even doctors and nurses to treat Gazans. We would also like India to be a part of the international initiative to rebuild the Gaza Strip, and focus on special projects.

Though India’s voting on UN resolutions has predominantly been in favour of Palestine and in keeping with its policy for a negotiated two-State solution, some would argue that there has been a shift in these ties, especially since India-Israel ties have gained economic and political momentum. 

India’s foreign policy is determined by India based on its priorities. What we are looking forward to from India is to as always continue its support to the Palestine cause and stand by us in our difficult times.

Do you see a change in the public perception towards Palestine in India?

In my interactions with the public, be it at conferences, or meetings, etc., I
see public support for Palestine. This is especially true since the war [from October 2023]. We respect and appreciate this support. This expression of solidarity encourages us to continue our fight
for freedom.

Internet, especially social media, is keeping everyone updated about what is happening in Gaza; true information is ready at their fingertips. They can
see the atrocities the people of Gaza
are facing.

The current devastation in Gaza is hard to watch, especially because you hail from Rafah. How is your family back home?

I am among the thousands who have lost their homes in Rafah. About 90% of houses in my locality have been destroyed by Israeli bombings. This is my homeland, I was born there, I grew up there, worked there….I get emotional when I get updates from there. I have family there: my father, brothers, sisters, and other relatives. The Abu Jazers
are a big family in the south of Gaza, and in this current conflict, at least 200 members from my extended family have been martyred.