India has urged for an immediate reduction in tension and a rejection of violence in Gaza, refraining from explicitly mentioning a ceasefire, despite it being a widespread demand at the UN, albeit opposed by Israel.
During the UN General Assembly session, India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj stressed the need for an instant de-escalation and avoidance of violence to achieve a lasting solution. She also emphasized the release of all hostages, the avoidance of provocative actions, and the creation of conditions conducive to resuming direct peace negotiations.
While reaffirming India's firm condemnation of civilian casualties in the conflict, Kamboj pointed out that the immediate trigger for the Gaza crisis was the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which India unequivocally condemns. India maintains a consistent stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Addressing the alarming civilian toll in the conflict, Kamboj underscored the importance of preventing further violence escalation and safeguarding civilian lives, emphasizing adherence to international law and humanitarian principles under all circumstances.
The Gaza health ministry reports over 30,000 casualties, predominantly children and women, following Israel's retaliatory strikes after Hamas's attack that claimed over 1,200 lives and took over 190 people hostage, many of them children.
Kamboj also highlighted the potential spillover effects of the Gaza conflict, noting its impact on humanitarian crises and regional instability, including incidents in the Red Sea and Lebanon.
Speaking in a debate concerning the US veto of a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, Kamboj refrained from directly addressing the veto or the exercise of veto powers by permanent Security Council members.
India, aspiring to a permanent Security Council seat, advocates for the availability of the veto to any new permanent members as long as it exists.
UN officials have warned of an impending famine threat in Gaza due to limited relief supplies, prompting India to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians and call for its immediate scaling up to avert further deterioration.
General Assembly President Dennis Francis expressed regret over addressing the Security Council veto issue in the context of Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release, endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the Assembly.
US Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood defended the veto, citing ongoing negotiations for hostage release and a humanitarian ceasefire, with a draft resolution circulated to support these efforts.
Vice President Kamala Harris joined calls for an immediate ceasefire, advocating for a six-week cessation currently on the table.
During the Assembly session, Palestine's Permanent Observer Riyad Mansour accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon, urging an end to Israeli impunity and a new era of accountability and sanctions.
Israel's Permanent Representative Gilad Erdan criticized the UN as a "collaborator
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