New Delhi will maintain cordial relations with Israel while fully supporting the cause of Palestine.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said there is no change in the country’s foreign policy in regard to Israel and Palestine.

She was replying to a Short Duration Discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday on the unprecedented violence in Gaza and West Bank area of Palestine.

She said India had reacted on 15th of this month condemning the violence in Gaza by issuing a joint statement during the BRICS summit in Brazil’s capital Brazilia.

The Minister said her ministry had also issued a statement on 10th of July in this regard.

She said India along with the Arab countries has been insisting that Israel and Palestine should consider the peace proposal moved by Egypt.

Mrs Swaraj quoted Rajya Sabha Chairman’s letter that under the relevant rules no resolution can be adopted unless there is a consensus. At this, members belonging to Congress, NCP, Trinamool

Congress, BJD, JD(U) and Left parties staged a walkout when the minister refused to adopt a formal resolution by the House as suggested by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad.