The resolution also emphasised the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and urged the unconditional release of all captive civilians as well as the unhindered supply of essential provisions to Gaza
India refrained from supporting a UN General Assembly resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire amid the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip. The resolution, which received 120 affirmative votes, aimed to halt the conflict, but India was among the 45 nations that abstained.
India’s stance differed from most South Asian countries, which supported the resolution. Notably, India also backed an amendment that condemned Hamas by name, despite not explicitly naming the organisation in its statements.
The session highlighted the deadlock in the UN Security Council, where veto powers hindered the adoption of any resolution concerning the conflict. The ongoing crisis, marked by mounting casualties, put forth the urgent need for international intervention.
The conflict intensified when Hamas initiated an incursion into Israel, resulting in casualties and abductions. Subsequently, Israel responded with airstrikes in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
India’s response initially expressed solidarity with Israel, later emphasising support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. Indian authorities acknowledged the need for a resolution to address the humanitarian and security situation without explicitly calling for a ceasefire.
The situation underscored the challenges of international diplomacy in resolving the conflict, marked by geopolitical tensions and the veto system in the Security Council.
India’s deputy permanent representative to the UN Yojna Patel noted that “casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern. Civilians, especially women and children are paying with their lives,” but did not actually say why India had abstained. She said that India is “deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict” and that “escalation of hostilities in the region will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis” but confined her call to asking “all parties to display the utmost responsibility.”
