India altered its position on the Israel-Hamas conflict at the UN, advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire after initially abstaining. Ruchira Kamboj, India's UN Representative, highlighted the challenge of balancing concerns: terrorism, humanitarian crises, and civilian casualties.
The resolution, backed by 153 votes, urged a ceasefire, demanded hostage release, and stressed humanitarian access to Gaza, albeit lacking enforceability. India's shift reflected nuanced support, avoiding direct terrorism condemnation while backing the resolution.
The evolving stance was visible in increased votes for the resolution, with the US and Israel supporting it while Britain and Germany abstained. The UN and the US emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, urging nuanced approaches for ceasefire and humanitarian pauses.
Recent Security Council resolutions faced vetoes, underscoring the intricate diplomatic landscape surrounding the conflict.
Key Points:
1. India has shifted its stance and supported the General Assembly's plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, after initially abstaining.
2. Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the complexity of the situation, citing a terrorist attack on Israel, humanitarian crises, and civilian casualties, emphasizing the need to strike a delicate balance.
3. The resolution, presented by Egypt and Mauritania with extensive support, garnered 153 votes, with only 10 against and 23 abstentions. It urged the release of hostages and stressed international obligations to safeguard civilians and allow humanitarian aid in Gaza.
4. Despite being symbolic without enforcement powers, the resolution signifies a shift in international sentiment amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
5. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of Palestinian lives, especially among children and women, raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prompting warnings from the UN.
6. India's altered position, voting for the resolution this time, reflects a nuanced approach, backing certain amendments while avoiding direct condemnation of terrorism or naming specific parties.
7. Various nations, including the US, Israel, and Austria, supported the resolution, while others like Britain and Germany abstained from voting.
8. Kamboj emphasized the multifaceted nature of the issue, citing the terrorist attack, humanitarian crisis, adherence to international humanitarian law, and the pursuit of a peaceful two-state solution for Palestine.
9. The UN General Assembly and US representatives highlighted the gravity of the humanitarian situation, stressing the need for immediate action to protect civilians and restore humanitarian systems in Gaza.
10. Previous diplomatic efforts in the Security Council to pass resolutions for a ceasefire faced vetoes, while a temporary humanitarian pause was agreed upon but met with challenges in implementation.
(With Agency Inputs)
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