India has chosen not to vote in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that urged an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict, aimed at ending hostilities. It also called for unrestricted humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. Israel has launched a significant counter-offensive against Hamas following the unprecedented attacks by the militant group in Israel.
The resolution, titled ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’, got overwhelming support with 120 nations voting in favor of it. Fourteen nations voted against it, and 45 abstained. India was among the countries that abstained, along with Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, and the UK.
Concern over exclusion of words ‘Hamas’ and ‘hostage’
The US expressed concerns about the resolution’s omission of the term ‘Hamas‘ and the word ‘hostage.’ The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called these omissions “glaring” and stated that they give cover to and empower Hamas. “This resolution makes no mention of the innocent people – including citizens of many of you in this room – many of you here today who have citizens who are being held hostage by Hamas and other terrorist groups,” Thomas said.
What Amendment did Canada propose?
Before the resolution was voted on, an amendment proposed by Canada, co-sponsored by the US, aimed to include a paragraph in the resolution condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and demanding the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas. India voted in favor of this amendment, along with 87 other nations, but it failed to obtain the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
Resolution’s Key Provisions
The resolution called for an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce, as well as unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. It emphasized the importance of ensuring that civilians have access to essential goods and services, including water, food, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity.
The resolution also called for humanitarian access for various organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other humanitarian agencies.
Resolution’s Demands
The resolution also called for the rescinding of an order by Israel regarding the evacuation of areas in the Gaza Strip and the immediate and unconditional release of captives, ensuring their safety, well-being, and humane treatment in compliance with international law.
(With Agency Inputs)