India has emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation and the cessation of violence in Gaza, refraining from explicitly mentioning a ceasefire, a demand gaining momentum across the UN but resisted by Israel.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, India's Permanent Representative, Ruchira Kamboj, stressed the importance of immediate de-escalation and refraining from violence to pave the way for a lasting solution. She also called for the release of hostages, avoidance of provocative actions, and a concerted effort towards resuming direct peace negotiations.
While expressing strong condemnation for civilian casualties, Kamboj attributed the immediate trigger for the Gaza conflict to terror attacks in Israel on October 7, urging unequivocal condemnation. She reaffirmed India's unwavering stance against terrorism in all forms, stressing the importance of adhering to international law and humanitarian principles.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 30,000 people killed, predominantly children and women, following retaliatory attacks by Israel after Hamas struck, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and the hostage-taking of more than 190 individuals, including many children.
Kamboj underscored the risks of the conflict spilling over into neighboring regions, citing escalating tensions in the Red Sea area and confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
During a debate on the US veto of a Security Council resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, Kamboj refrained from mentioning the veto or its implications on efforts to address conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. India, aspiring for a permanent Security Council seat, maintains that the veto should remain available to new permanent members.
UN officials have warned of an imminent famine threat in Gaza, exacerbated by limited relief supplies. Kamboj affirmed India's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Palestine, emphasizing the urgency of scaling up aid to prevent further deterioration.
General Assembly President Dennis Francis lamented the necessity of addressing the Security Council veto issue in the Gaza context, urging an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, overwhelmingly endorsed by the Assembly.
US Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood defended the veto, citing ongoing negotiations involving Egypt and Qatar for the release of hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed calls for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza.
Palestine's Permanent Observer, Riyad Mansour, accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon and called for an end to Israeli impunity through accountability and sanctions. Israel's Permanent Representative, Gilad Erdan, criticized the UN for allegedly colluding with Hamas and warned that a ceasefire could embolden Hamas's abuse of women.
At a news conference, UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Parmila Patten, acknowledged instances of sexual violence during the conflict but noted challenges in attributing responsibility to specific parties. She highlighted threats faced by women in the West Bank, including invasive searches and intimidation.
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