Israel Palestine Conflict: India, who abstained from voting on the resolution related to Israel-Hamas conflict, told the United Nations General Assembly that terrorism is “harmful” and has no border, nationality or race and the world should condemn those who justify terrorist acts. Things should not be given any importance. India abstained from voting on Jordan’s draft resolution titled ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’ in the UN General Assembly. This resolution called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. The 193-member General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the resolution, which calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian ceasefire, so that hostilities can end. 121 countries voted in favor of the resolution, 44 members abstained from voting and 14 members voted against it. The resolution demanded immediate, continuous, adequate and uninterrupted provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip.
These attacks are condemnable
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Yojana Patel, while clarifying on the vote, said that in a world where differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue, the prestigious body should be deeply concerned by incidents of resorting to violence. Patel said that when violence occurs on such a large scale and intensity, it is an insult to basic human values. He said the use of violence as a means to achieve political objectives causes enormous harm and does not pave the way for any durable solution. Describing the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 as shocking, Patel said that these attacks are condemnable. India’s explanation of the vote did not mention Hamas.
The humanitarian crisis will increase further due to increase in hostilities in the region.
Yojana Patel said that terrorism is harmful and it has no border, nationality or race. The world should not pay attention to those who try to justify terrorist acts. Let us put aside differences, unite and adopt an approach of zero tolerance for terrorism. India expressed hope that the discussion in the General Assembly would send “a clear message against terrorism and violence and would expand the scope for diplomacy and dialogue to help address the humanitarian crisis we face.” Patel said India is “deeply concerned” about the deteriorating security situation and the large number of civilian deaths in the conflict. He said that increasing hostilities in the region will further increase the humanitarian crisis. It is necessary for all parties to show utmost responsibility.
Initially Iraq had abstained from voting on the resolution
India also called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of the hostages. Iraq had initially abstained from voting on the resolution, but later voted in favor of it, citing “technical problems” during voting. Israel and America were among the countries that voted against the resolution. China, France and Russia voted in favor of the resolution, while Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and Britain abstained.