India calls for direct talks between Israel, Palestine

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - India on Wednesday asked Israel and Palestine to engage with each other following the roll out of U.S. President Donald Trump’s so-called “Deal of the Century”.

In a statement, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that New Delhi has been “consistently supportive of the Palestinian cause”.

However, it did not reject the so-called “deal of the century” which has invited massive criticism from around the globe for attempting to favor Israel’s interests.

“India has also called for a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. We reiterate our view that the final status issues should be resolved through direct negotiations between the two Parties and be acceptable to both,” said the Indian statement.

In presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump on Tuesday released his so-called "Deal of the Century" at the White House which Palestinians wholly rejected and condemned.

Trump referred to Jerusalem as "Israel's undivided capital." Several groups and countries including Turkey have condemned the so-called peace plan.

“We urge the Parties to engage with each other, including on the recent proposals put forward by the United States, and find an acceptable two-State solution for peaceful coexistence. We will continue to follow developments in the region and engage with the Parties concerned,” the Indian statement added.