Gaza Occupation Threatens Global Peace: Palestine Minister Varsen Shahin's Urgent Call for Palestinian Sovereignty

Palestine's Foreign Affairs Minister Varsen Shahin has delivered a compelling warning to NDTV that Israel's continued occupation and the absence of Palestinian sovereignty pose threats beyond regional stability to global peace itself. During her comprehensive interview, Shahin emphasized that the Gaza crisis must lead to "sovereignty and independence" rather than perpetuating the violence cycle.

Shahin celebrated the growing international recognition of Palestine, with approximately 160 nations now formally acknowledging Palestinian statehood. Recent additions include France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. She characterized this diplomatic momentum as vital "legal and moral reinforcement" for Palestinian aspirations.

"This recognition protects the two-state solution and bolsters Palestine's legal standing," Shahin stated. "It communicates clearly that perpetual occupation of a population is unacceptable." She highlighted how these diplomatic developments affirm Palestinians' self-determination rights while challenging what she described as Israel's "colonialist and destabilizing" annexation policies.

Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's rejection of Palestinian statehood, Shahin cautioned that such positions intensify regional instability. "This extends beyond Palestine or Israel. Persistent occupation destabilizes the entire region and beyond," she warned.

Shahin referenced the New York Declaration, a comprehensive 42-point international framework outlining Palestinian sovereignty implementation, noting that "more than two-thirds of global nations are informing Israel that indefinite occupation cannot continue."

Regarding Gaza's reconstruction, the minister expressed measured support for an international stabilization force, provided it operates under clear United Nations mandates with Palestinian governance facilitation as its objective.

"International mechanisms may be necessary initially for security and rebuilding efforts," she acknowledged. "However, Gaza must ultimately return to legitimate Palestinian governmental authority." Shahin emphasized that Gaza's governance should reflect "natural evolution" through elections determining leadership, with West Bank and Gaza unity restored under the Palestinian Authority.

The minister commended India's longstanding support for Palestine and its humanitarian assistance following the October 2023 conflict. She highlighted India's ongoing contributions to Palestinian development through projects in information technology, education, women's empowerment, and healthcare throughout the West Bank.

"India has remained a Palestinian ally since before its independence," Shahin remarked. "India can now play a significant role in reconstruction and peace process revitalization. We view India as a voice advocating reason and dialogue."

Regarding India's diplomatic relations with Israel, she added, "We respect India's diplomatic independence, while trusting its continued alignment with international law and Palestinian rights."

When questioned about terrorism, Shahin condemned violence universally while urging consideration of underlying causes. "We reject terrorism everywhere—whether in India, Syria, Europe, or Palestine," she stated. "However, ignoring occupation and oppression fuels violence. Genuine peace requires justice and dialogue."

She reaffirmed the Palestinian Authority's commitment to democratic processes, including elections when stability permits, emphasizing that peace cannot be forcibly imposed.

Concluding her interview, Shahin stressed that direct Palestinian-Israeli dialogue remains the only viable path toward lasting peace.

"Returning to negotiations is essential," she stated. "Only through dialogue can peace emerge, and only through respect for international law can it endure."