India supported a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that called for the unconditional release of all captives and an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
At an Emergency Special Session held here on Tuesday, the 193-member UN General Assembly endorsed the draft resolution that Egypt had proposed. With 153 votes in support and 10 votes against the text, the resolution was approved. 23 countries chose to abstain.
The resolution, which was supported by Palestine, Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, among others, called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirmed the need for all parties to abide by their legal obligations, particularly those pertaining to “the protection of civilians.”
“Immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access,” was another demand made.
Also read: WHO: Patient Dies On Way To Gaza Hospital Due To Prolonged Israeli Checks
The US, however, suggested amending the draft resolution so that it would include the following paragraph in the main text: “Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages.” The resolution did not name Hamas. India supported the amendment with a vote.
India had refrained from voting on a resolution in the General Assembly in October that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as well as unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. The resolution, written by Jordan, also called for the immediate, uninterrupted, sufficient, and unfettered supply of basic goods and services to Gaza Strip residents.
The United States, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, rejected a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war that would have required an immediate humanitarian truce. Days later, the UNGA voted on the proposal.
Also read: WHO: Patient Dies On Way To Gaza Hospital Due To Prolonged Israeli Checks
Thirteen votes were cast in favour of the UNSC resolution, which was proposed by the United Arab Emirates and supported by more than ninety Member States; the United Kingdom abstained.
Following terror strikes on October 7, thousands of people were injured and over 1,200 people, including 33 children, died as a result of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that at least 18,205 Palestinians have died in Gaza to date, with women and children accounting for over 70% of the deaths, and that 49,645 have allegedly been injured. These figures are based on information provided by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza.
