We suggest a two-state solution to the problem wherein both Palestine and Israel should have the right to constitute their (respective) state – Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister

Picture : ANI / X

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said India has a “constructive” stand on the Israel-Hamas conflict and stressed on the two-state solution.

The minister called Hamas a “terrorist group” and said Israel has a “right to defend” itself against its advances. Puri, however, stressed that he was speaking in his personal capacity and his remarks do not represent the views of the Indian government.

Asked by PTI,  if India should take a stern stand and whether its stance on the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts has been neutral, Puri asserted “India is not neutral on Hamas’ attack on Israel and has strongly condemned this act of terrorism.” “Hamas is a terrorist group and they have attacked democracy … We support Israel’s action against Hamas in this regard. But we don’t support its action against Palestine where 2 million people live. One has to distinguish between the two,” Puri said.

“Our stand on this has been constructive. We are against terrorism because it has caused havoc in our country as well … We suggest a two-state solution to the problem wherein both Palestine and Israel should have the right to constitute their (respective) state,” he said.