Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we are profoundly disheartened by the atrocities which have been taking place in Gaza. For the past two years, we have witnessed the humanitarian tragedies taking place there with more than 65,000 casualties, mainly women and children. On our part, we continue to closely follow developments surrounding the ceasefire agreement reached under the 20-point peace plan proposed by the US President Donald Trump on 29 September 2025. In answer to part (a) of the question, the House may recall that Mauritius has always shown its unwavering support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people and has forcefully condemned Israel for its violations of humanitarian law. We have consistently voiced out our long-standing principal position in favour of a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East shared widely by the international community which is the Two-State solution. As at now, 158 Member States of the United Nations, including Mauritius, have recognised the State of Palestine, representing more than 80% of the United Nation’s membership. A lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means based on relevant United Nations resolutions and in accordance with the international law on the principal of the Two-State solution which indeed represents the only viable option to bring an end to this enduring conflict. I would like to inform the House that on 18 August 2025, the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates sent me a letter conveying the profound appreciation of

75 Palestine on the clear and principal position of Mauritius, which reaffirms the inherent and inalienable rights of the Palestinian to life, dignity and statehood. A copy of the letter is being tabled for the benefit of the House. On the other hand, I wish to underscore that Mauritius has consistently lent its support for the Palestinian cause by voting in favour of resolutions, decisions at the level of various United Nations bodies, like the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and UNESCO. The most recent illustration of our support was on 25 August 2025 when Mauritius endorsed the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State solution that was adopted at the high-level international conference in July 2025. The New York Declaration highlights the international community’s collective responsibility to bring a definite end to the decades long conflict through political and diplomatic means. During the high-level international conference, in line with our well- established practice, Mauritius strongly reiterated our long-standing support for Palestine. The same position was reiterated by Mauritius during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2025. I also wish to place on record that Mauritius was not present during the address of the Prime Minister of Israel on the UN General Assembly on 26 September 2025. At its session of 19 September 2025, Cabinet agreed to make a cash donation of 50,000 USD to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support humanitarian action for the people of Palestine. With regard to part (b) of the question, regarding the severance of ties with Israel, I wish to point out the following – Diplomatic relations were established with Israel in March 1968. Those relations were severed on 07 July 1976. Mauritius recognised the Palestine Liberation Organisation in May 1979 and relations with Israel were re-established on 29 September 1993, following the signature of the Israel PLO Peace Agreement on 13 September 1993. Since the election of this new Government, in November 2024, my Ministry has ensured that bilateral exchanges with Israel be reduced purposefully to a minimum. For instance, invitations for our Ministers to visit Israel have been turned down.

76 Technical cooperation through Israel’s official International Development Cooperation Programme has been stalled. The request for an Israeli airline to operate direct flights from Israel to Mauritius this year has not been acceded to. As a result of the war on a few countries like Jordan, Bahrain, Turkey, Honduras, South Africa, Chad and Chile as well, they have recalled their ambassadors from Israel whilst others like Belize, Bolivia, Colombia and Nicaragua have severed diplomatic relations with Israel. It is felt that the severance of diplomatic ties is of an extreme order as this might adversely affect any possible influence, dialogue and communication by Mauritius at the multi-lateral level for sustainable peace in the Middle East region. Maintaining our current stance, albeit at a minimum level, leaves the window open for Mauritius to advocate for a peaceful discussion between all parties. It is felt that maintaining a meaningful channel of discussion with the Israeli side is, in fact, in the interest of the Palestinian people. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (c) of the question, the House may wish to note that Mauritius has been directly involved in international legal actions concerning Palestine notably through its participation in the proceedings at the International Court of Justice. This involvement is aligned with our long-standing support of Mauritius for the Palestinian cause at the United Nations. In July 2023, Mauritius was one of the 57 countries to submit a written statement to the ICJ regarding the legality of Israel’s policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The submission specifically addressed the legal consequences of Israel’s prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory. Mauritius also participated in the oral proceedings at the ICJ in February 2024. In its presentation, Mauritius drew parallels between the Israeli occupation and the Chagos Archipelago case, and argued that if the ICJ found Israel’s occupation unlawful, the latter would be obliged to end it consistent with the 2019 ICJ ruling on the Chagos case. In July 2024, the ICJ issued its advisory opinion concluding that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and must end. It also stated that all States have an obligation not to recognise the illegal situation and to ensure Israel’s compliance with international law.

77 Subsequently, on 22 October 2025, the ICJ delivered another advisory opinion issued pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/232 of 19 December 2024 concerning the obligations of Israel with respect to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations and third States in the occupied Palestinian territories. The court unanimously concluded that Israel is required to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the duty to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has access to the basic necessities of life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services. By ten votes to one, the court further determined that Israel must agree to facilitate by all means at its disposal relief schemes on behalf of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory so long as that population remains inadequately supplied, as has been the case in the Gaza Strip. This includes humanitarian relief provided by the UN and its entities, most notably the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East as well as by other international organisations and Third States. Israel is also required not to obstruct or impede search relief efforts. Furthermore, the ICJ unanimously affirmed Israel’s obligation to respect the prohibition on forcible transfer and deportation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of warfare. The ICJ will now forward the advisory opinion to the United Nations General Assembly, where a resolution is expected to be drafted by Member States, that first table that resolution for an advisory opinion in December 2024. Consistent with its policy of support to the principal of international law and the rights of the Palestinian people, Mauritius will support any UNGA resolution that would seek to implement the advisory opinion of the ICJ. Mauritius will, therefore, continue to support all initiatives at the level of the United Nations, African Union and relevant multilateral fora which are in accordance with international law and which will contribute to bringing about a just, peaceful, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict based on the sanctity of the Two-State solution. Thank you.

Do you have a question, hon. Etwareea?

78

Yes, please. L’honorable ministre des Affaires étrangères, peut-il nous dire si le pays peut participer à l’effort international de soigner des blessés résultant des bombardements israéliens à Gaza ?

Can you repeat the question?

Repeat the question.

Est-ce que notre pays peut participer à l’effort international de soigner des blessés résultant des bombardements israéliens sur Gaza ?

Yes, this is a very interesting question. We will look into it and if there is that possibility, we will definitely participate dans cet élan de solidarité.

The hon. Second Member for Savanne and Black River! BAIE DU CAP & COTEAU RAFFIN – SHORTAGE OF WATER SUPPLY – WATER TANKERS & ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS