United Nations: India abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict leading to a cessation of hostilities. It also called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip.
During the assembly, the draft resolution, titled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations,” was supported by 120 nations, opposed by 14, and abstained by 45, including India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, and the UK.
It’s worth noting that the resolution did not explicitly mention the militant group Hamas, which drew strong criticism from the United States. The US expressed its dismay at what it saw as an “omission of evil.”
They proposed an amendment, co-sponsored by Canada, to include condemnation of Hamas’s terrorist attacks and the taking of hostages. However, this amendment did not secure the required two-thirds majority for adoption.
The Jordanian-drafted resolution called for an immediate and sustainable humanitarian truce, along with the uninterrupted provision of essential goods and services to the people of Gaza, such as water, food, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity.
It emphasized the need to uphold international humanitarian law to ensure the well-being and survival of civilians. The resolution also urged safe and unhindered humanitarian access for various organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other humanitarian groups. It encouraged the creation of humanitarian corridors and initiatives to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza.
The US strongly criticized the resolution for not explicitly naming Hamas and for not addressing the issue of hostages held by terrorist groups. They co-sponsored an amendment to rectify these omissions, but it was not adopted.
The resolution called for all parties to comply with international law, protect civilians, and allow humanitarian access. Additionally, it demanded the rescinding of an Israeli order for civilians and UN staff to relocate in the Gaza Strip and the unconditional release of illegally held captives.
(With agency inputs)