World
India Abstains From Voting On UN's Gaza Resolution That Did Not Mention Hamas Terror Attack On Israel
UNGA
India on Friday (28 October) abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict leading to a cessation of hostilities.
The resolution also called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip.
Following unprecedented terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths, Israel initiated a significant counter-attack in Gaza strip against the Palestinian terror outfit.
During the 10th Emergency Special Session, 193 members of UN General Assembly voted on a draft resolution presented by Jordan and supported by over 40 countries, such as Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, and South Africa.
This resolution, named "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations", was passed with 120 countries supporting, 14 opposing, and 45 not participating in the vote.
Besides India, countries that abstained included Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, and the UK.
In its statement, India said that the "terror attacks in Israel on 7th October were shocking and deserve condemnation".
"Our thoughts are also with those taken hostages," Ambassador Yojna patel, India's deputy permanent representative to the UN, said in the statement.
"We call for their immediate and unconditional release," Patel added.
"Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders, nationality, or race. The world should not buy into any justification of terror acts. Let us keep aside differences, unite and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism," the statement reads.
India also expressed concern on the casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
"Casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern. Civilians, especially women and children are paying with their lives. This humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. We welcome the international community’s de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India too has contributed to this effort," it said.
"India has always supported a negotiated Two-State solution to the Israel-Palestine issue leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side-by-side in peace with Israel," it added.
"For this, we urge the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations," the statement said.
The resolution drafted by Jordan did not reference the terror group Hamas, leading the US to voice its strong displeasure over this "omission of evil".
Prior to the resolution's vote in the general assembly, the 193 members deliberated on a text amendment suggested by Canada and backed by the US.
The amendment proposed by Canada asked for inserting a paragraph in the resolution that would state that the general assembly "unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages, demands the safety, well-being and humane treatment of the hostages in compliance with international law, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release".
India, along with 87 other countries, supported the amendment. However, 55 nations opposed it, and 23 chose not to vote. The proposed change wasn't accepted as it didn't secure the required two-thirds majority from the voting members.
Dennis Francis, the President of the UNGA's 78th session, declared the draft amendment's non-adoption.
The resolution, penned by Jordan, sought a lasting and immediate humanitarian ceasefire to halt hostilities. It emphasized the need for continuous and unrestricted supply of essential resources like water, food, medical aid, fuel, and electricity to Gaza's civilians.
The resolution underscored the importance, as per international humanitarian law, of ensuring civilians have access to vital necessities.
It also called for "immediate, full, sustained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access" for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and other United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners.
The draft resolution also demanded humanitarian access for the International Committee of the Red Cross and all other humanitarian organisations.
The resolution emphasized the importance of adhering to humanitarian principles, providing immediate aid to Gaza's civilians, and promoting the creation of humanitarian pathways and other measures to ensure efficient aid delivery.
The US strongly criticized the resolution for not mentioning Hamas, labeling it an "omission of evil".
"As you'll notice, two key words are missing in the resolution before us. The first is Hamas. It is outrageous that this resolution fails to name the perpetrators of the October 7th terrorist attacks: Hamas. Hamas. It is outrageous," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in her remarks before the vote on the resolution, said.f
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