India's position in the UN Human Rights Council was marked by abstention from voting on a resolution urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanding the lifting of Israel's blockade on the region. The resolution, titled 'Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice', garnered 28 votes in favor, 6 against, and 13 abstentions.
Alongside India, countries like France, Japan, the Netherlands, and Romania also abstained, while those opposing the resolution included Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany, and the US. Nations supporting the resolution encompassed Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Qatar, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
The resolution emphasized the imperative for Israel to cease its occupation of Palestinian territory since 1967, including East Jerusalem. It underscored that efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must uphold international humanitarian and human rights laws as well as relevant UN resolutions. The document called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emergency humanitarian access, and the restoration of basic necessities for the Palestinian population. Additionally, it urged Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and condemned any form of collective punishment or siege.
Furthermore, the resolution denounced actions potentially constituting ethnic cleansing by Israel and urged all states to prevent the forced transfer of Palestinians. It also condemned the targeting of civilians, referencing a specific attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and demanded the release of hostages and detainees, along with humanitarian access in accordance with international law.
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