India Has Refused to Back UNGA Vote on Gaza Ceasefire

United Nations/Channels/Hyderabad, Oct 28 (Hydnow): India has 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.  It also called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. 

Israel has launched a massive counter-offensive against Hamas after unprecedented attacks by the militant group on October 7 killed more than 1,400 people. 

193 members of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which met in a resumed 10th emergency special Session, voted on the draft resolution submitted by Jordan and co-sponsored by more than 40 nations including Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, and South Africa. 

The resolution titled “Protection of Civilians and upholding legal and Humanitarian Obligations” was overwhelmingly adopted with 120 nations voting in its favor, 14 against it, and 45 abstaining.  Besides India, countries that abstained included Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the UK. 

The Hordanian-drafted resolution did not make any mention of the militant group Hamas, with the US expressing outrage at the “omission”.  Before the general assembly voted on the resolution, the 193-member body considered an amendment proposed by Canada and co-sponsored by the US to the text. 

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 voted in favor of the amendment along with 87 other nations, while 55 member states voted against it and 23 abstained.  The draft amendment could not be adopted, having failed to obtain a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. 

President of the 78th session of the UNGA, Dennis Francis, announced that the draft amendment could not be adopted. 

The Jordanian-drafted resolution called for an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.  It also demanded the immediate, continuous, sufficient, and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, including but not limited to water, food, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity. 

The draft resolution stressed the imperative, under international humanitarian law, of ensuring that civilians are not deprived of objects indispensable to their survival.  

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. (Hydnow) 

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