Palestinian Envoy Abdullah Abu Shawesh: ‘India Can Play a Key Role in Pressuring Israel to End Gaza Conflict’
As the war in Gaza drags on with no end in sight, Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Abu Shawesh has spoken out strongly against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recently floated plan to take control of Gaza. For Palestinians, the idea of an outright takeover is not only unacceptable but also a further escalation in an already devastating conflict.
On Netanyahu’s Takeover Plan
When asked about Israel’s intention to assume full control of Gaza, Ambassador Shawesh was blunt in his rejection. He described it as an act that would only deepen the suffering of Palestinians already trapped under siege. For him, Netanyahu’s claim that this is the “best way” to end the war is nothing more than a strategy to entrench Israeli occupation and strip Palestinians of their right to self-determination.
He pointed out that Israel’s military actions have already reduced much of Gaza to rubble, displacing families and destroying basic infrastructure. According to him, adding a direct takeover to that destruction would amount to an attempt to erase Gaza’s identity altogether. “This is not a plan for peace,” he said. “This is a plan for permanent control.”
On Trump’s Role in Peace Efforts
The conversation also turned to whether U.S. President Donald Trump could play a role in brokering peace in the region. Ambassador Shawesh struck a cautious note here. While he acknowledged that Washington remains an influential player, he questioned whether Trump had the political will to push Israel toward meaningful compromise.
For the Palestinians, the U.S. has too often tilted heavily toward Israel, making it difficult to trust that Washington can act as an honest broker. Still, Shawesh did not rule out the possibility of American involvement if it were balanced by other international players. “The question is not whether Trump can bring peace,” he said. “The question is whether the United States is ready to adopt a fair position that recognizes Palestinian rights.”
India’s Role in the Peace Process
Where the Ambassador placed significant hope was on India’s role. He spoke warmly about India’s long-standing support for Palestine and said New Delhi has the credibility to press Israel toward restraint. “India has always been there for us,” Shawesh said, adding that its historic backing of Palestinian statehood gives it moral weight in international diplomacy.
He argued that India, with its growing global clout and its balanced ties with both Israel and Palestine, could use its influence to push for de-escalation. Unlike some Western powers, India is seen in Palestine as a friend that does not dictate but listens. According to Shawesh, that places New Delhi in a unique position to remind Israel that peace cannot be achieved through force.
Looking Ahead
The Ambassador’s remarks come at a time when Gaza continues to reel under bombardment, with civilians paying the heaviest price. His rejection of Netanyahu’s takeover plan reflects the broader Palestinian consensus that peace will not come through occupation but through recognition of rights and sovereignty.
At the same time, his emphasis on India’s role highlights how Palestinians are looking beyond traditional power brokers like the U.S. to countries with credibility across divides. For Shawesh, the path forward lies in building international pressure—especially from nations like India—that can make Israel reconsider its current course.
As the conflict grinds on, these voices underscore the urgent need for diplomacy rooted not in domination but in justice. For Palestinians, that means resisting occupation, demanding their rights, and seeking allies who can help push the peace process back on track.
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