Geneva: India has backed the UN international inquiry into human rights violations and crimes possibly committed by Israel’s military in the Gaza Strip.
Along with India, countries that voted in favour were Pakistan, China, Maldives, Russia, South Africa and Brazil among others. UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, South Korea were among the 17 countries which abstained.
Urging for an “immediate ceasefireâ€, India called on Israel and Palestine to start a process of “peaceful dialogueâ€. On the Human Rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, the Narendra Modi government said, “We are deeply concerned at the human rights situation. As also at the violence by non-state actors in the region which have the effect of serving as avoidable obstacles to the peace process, as well as to the  realisation of the legitimate aspirations of both the peoples to co-exist in peace and security.â€
“The steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza and disproportionate use of force on ground, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives, especially women and children and heavy damage to propertyâ€. The statement by the Permanent mission to the US in Geneva said, the Government of India was closely monitoring the situation unfolding and supports all efforts for an immediate ceasefire between the parties involved.
Israel and its ally US rejected the probe, calling it one-sided and counterproductive amid efforts to clinch a ceasefire. Israel has observer status at the talks.
Israel Ambassador Eviator Manor, in remarks before the vote, told the forum: “Why does this Council believe that naming and shaming Israel will get it anywhere? Throughout the entire escalation of events, Israel has always acted with maximum restraint, fully committed to international law in general and the laws of armed conflict.”
Israel had established its own special commission of inquiry “with a scope beyond what is required under international and criminal law,” Manor said.
“Hamas is the aggressor. Hamas is the one committing war crimes … Open your eyes to reality,” he said.
UNHRC condemned the Israeli assault which it said had involved “disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks”, including aerial bombing of civilian areas, collective punishment, and the killing of more than 650 Palestinians.
“We came here to try to achieve together with you at least minimum justice for children who are being dismembered, for women whose bodies are lying in the streets, to find some justice for those who are being exterminated,” said Ibrahim Khraishi, ambassador of the Palestinian observer mission to the UN in Geneva.