In a significant move, India voted in favor of a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly, supporting an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The resolution, introduced by Egypt, garnered widespread support during an Emergency Special Session on Tuesday.
The draft, backed by nations including Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Palestine, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. It also reiterated the call for all involved parties to adhere to their international obligations, particularly in safeguarding civilian lives.
The resolution, adopted with 153 votes in favor, witnessed 23 abstentions, and 10 nations voted against it. Notably, the text did not explicitly name Hamas. The United States proposed an amendment to condemn “heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas” and the hostage-taking incidents, a proposal that India supported as reported by Hindustan Times.
This marked a shift from India’s stance in October when it abstained from a similar resolution in the General Assembly, which called for an immediate humanitarian truce and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza. The earlier resolution, drafted by Jordan, also urged the continuous provision of essential goods and services to civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The recent vote in the UN General Assembly followed the failure of the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Security Council resolution, put forth by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 Member States, faced a veto from the United States, resulting in 13 votes in favor and the United Kingdom abstaining.
The urgency for international intervention arises from the devastating terror attacks on October 7, orchestrated by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. The attacks claimed more than 1,200 lives, including 33 children, and left thousands injured. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the overall toll in Gaza has reached at least 18,205 Palestinians, with about 70 percent being women and children, and an additional 49,645 reported injuries, as per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
India’s decision to support the UN resolution underscores its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and promoting peace in the volatile region. The global community continues to grapple with finding a comprehensive and inclusive solution to bring an end to the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the affected population.
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