G20 Virtual Summit

November 23, 2023

GS Paper II International Relations

Context:

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister emphasizes zero tolerance for terrorism and condemns killings of innocents, especially children and women in his concluding remarks at the G20 Virtual summit.

Truce Amidst Conflict:

After a month-and-a-half of the Israel-Hamas war, Israel agrees to a four-day military pause (Humanitarian Pause) in Gaza.
Hostage Release Agreement: Israel and Hamas agree on the release of 50 hostages, with a promise to extend the truce for every 10 additional releases.

Humanitarian Pause in Gaza: How it is not the same as a ceasefire

Humanitarian Pause:

The United Nations defines a “humanitarian pause” as a “temporary cessation of hostilities purely for humanitarian purposes”.

Such pauses are usually limited to a defined period, and to a specific area where the humanitarian activities are to be carried out.

Ceasefire:

The UN defines it as a “suspension of fighting agreed upon by the parties to a conflict, typically as part of a political process”, with the goal being to “allow parties to engage in dialogue, including the possibility of reaching a permanent political settlement”.

Humanitarian Relief for Gaza: The truce provides relief to Gazans in need of aid supplies after enduring an Israeli anti-Hamas blitz.

Key Highlight of G20 Virtual Summit:

Indian PM Address:
- Prime Minister’s Focus on Israel-Hamas Conflict:
  - Prime Minister made these comments in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
  - Stresses the need for regional peace and stability in West Asia.
  - Advocates diplomacy and dialogue as the only way to address territorial and political crises.
  - PM highlights agreement on a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine issue.
- Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza:
  - In an apparent reference to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Prime Minister said human assistance should reach them quickly and safely. He welcomed the news about the release of Israeli hostages.
G-20’s Consensus on Israel-Palestine Issue
- PM highlights key points of agreement reached during the G20 virtual summit. This includes consensus on a two-state solution for addressing the Israel-Palestine issue permanently.
G-20 Welcomes Ceasefire and Hostage Release
- G-20 leaders welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreed upon by Israel and Hamas earlier in the day that will allow the release of 50 hostages held by the militant group in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees apart from the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

Oslo Accords:

The Oslo Accords are a set of agreements initiated in early 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) with the aim of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Origins of the Accords
- The negotiations leading to the Oslo Accords began with secret meetings in Oslo, Norway, in 1993.
- Initially, it was illegal for Israelis to engage with the PLO, which was considered a terrorist group. Norwegian officials played a crucial role in facilitating these secret talks.
Key Components of the Accords
- The Oslo Accords outlined a step-by-step process towards a two-state solution.
- They led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which gained limited control in the West Bank and Gaza.
- The agreements were meant to be an interim arrangement, addressing immediate issues while deferring the resolution of more complex matters.