In a significant move, India voted in favor of a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly, endorsing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and urging the unconditional release of all hostages. The resolution, introduced by Egypt and supported by nations including Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Palestine, gained the approval of 153 member states, with 23 abstentions and 10 votes against.
The resolution emphasized the need for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and stressed the importance of all parties adhering to their international obligations, particularly regarding the protection of civilians. Additionally, it called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, along with ensuring humanitarian access. Notably, the text did not explicitly name Hamas.
During the proceedings, the United States proposed an amendment condemning the “heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas” and the taking of hostages. India supported this amendment.
This development follows India’s abstention in a previous October vote on a resolution in the General Assembly, which called for an immediate humanitarian truce and unhindered access to Gaza. The Jordanian-drafted resolution also demanded the continuous provision of essential goods and services to civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The UN General Assembly’s decision comes after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a similar resolution due to a veto by the United States. The UNSC resolution, backed by over 90 Member States, received 13 votes in favor, with the United Kingdom abstaining.
The Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7 resulted in over 1,200 casualties, including 33 children, with thousands more injured. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported a grim toll of at least 18,205 Palestinians killed, predominantly women and children, and around 49,645 injured, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
