India Abstains on UN Gaza Ceasefire Vote

United Nations - In a significant development, India abstained in the UN General Assembly's (UNGA) vote on a draft resolution calling for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza.

The UNGA, comprising 193 member states, overwhelmingly adopted the resolution, which garnered 149 votes in favor. However, 19 nations, including India, abstained from voting, while 12 nations voted against the resolution.

Among the nations that abstained were Albania, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Malawi, Panama, South Sudan, and Togo. The UNGA's Permanent Representative to India, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, provided the explanation of vote on the resolution titled "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations".

The explanation stated that the resolution came amidst a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and India was deeply concerned about the deepening crisis. Harish reiterated India's long-standing stance against the Israel-Palestine issue, having previously abstained from resolutions on the matter.

The resolution demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the return of remains of hostages who have been killed, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Harish stressed that India's abiding commitment to dialogue and diplomacy was crucial in finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

India has historically provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza through bilateral and UN channels. "We believe that the release of remaining hostages and a ceasefire are important to ameliorate the humanitarian situation in Gaza," Harish stated.

The vote follows a similar UNGA resolution on June 2024, which was blocked by a veto from permanent member the United States. India joins other nations, including Albania, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Malawi, Panama, South Sudan, and Togo, in abstaining from voting on the revised resolution.