India abstained from voting on a motion in the United Nations General Assembly calling for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza.
Spain presented the resolution, and it was passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 149 of 193 member countries. Nineteen nations, including India, abstained from the vote, and 12 voted against the motion.
The resolution also reiterated the call for the swift, dignified, and unconditional release of all hostages currently held by Hamas and other groups. Among the abstaining nations were Albania, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Malawi, Panama, South Sudan, and Togo.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, explained New Delhi’s position during the session. He acknowledged the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and expressed strong concern over civilian casualties.
"India is seriously concerned at the escalating humanitarian crisis and deplores the loss of civilian life," Harish stated.
He also added that India's abstention stands in accordance with its previous stances on resolutions involving the Israel-Palestine conflict.
"These is our vote today is in accordance with this in our belief that there is no other means to settle disputes but through diplomacy and dialogue. The two sides should be brought closer by a joint effort. We would abstain on this resolution for these reasons," he added.
The resolution called upon Israel, which it referred to as the "occupying power," to end immediately the blockade of Gaza, open border crossings, and permit large-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the region according to international law and humanitarian norms.
It also urged all sides to put into immediate effect the provisions of a June 2024 Security Council resolution. These include imposing an immediate ceasefire, freeing hostages, returning the bodies of the dead, swapping prisoners, enabling Palestinian civilians to return home throughout Gaza, and securing the total withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from the land.
Ambassador Harish highlighted India's longstanding position in favor of humanity and peace, repeating its appeals for civilian protection, adherence to international humanitarian law, and the unimpeded entry of aid into Gaza.
"India has never been on the side of war and violence and has repeatedly appealed for the protection of civilians and the observance of humanitarian commitments," he said.
He also reconfirmed India's adherence to the two-state solution as the final course to end the conflict.
"India has consistently espoused a negotiated two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel question, resulting in the creation of an independent, sovereign and viable state of Palestine, living alongside secure and recognized borders in peace with Israel," Harish said.
He called on the international community to strive towards circumstances that would favor the early resumption of direct peace negotiations. "Prolonged accusations and debate stand in the way of peace," he said.
"We hope this noble Assembly will give a clear message to widen the scope for dialogue and diplomacy towards restoring peace and ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," he added.
India, he added, has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, directly and through UN agencies.
"We also believe that a release of the remaining hostages and ceasefire are important to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Our collective voice should reverberate this," said Harish.
This UN General Assembly vote came after a previous attempt in the UN Security Council to approve a similar resolution was vetoed by the United States, one of the permanent members.
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