India Supports UNGA Resolution for a Ceasefire in Gaza
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United Nations, Dec 12 (NationPress) India has allied with 157 other nations to endorse a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution advocating for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the strife-ridden Gaza Strip.
The UNGA overwhelmingly ratified two resolutions on Wednesday: one advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and the other supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which Israel has attempted to prohibit.
The first resolution, demanding an immediate ceasefire, was backed by 158 votes, with nine nations, including the United States, Israel, Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Tonga opposing it, and 13 abstentions.
The second resolution, which supports the mandate of UNRWA, garnered 159 votes in favor, nine against, and 11 abstentions.
These resolutions followed two days of discussions at the 193-member General Assembly, where speeches largely underscored the urgency of ending the 14-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. Delegates also advocated for unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza to address the escalating crisis.
While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they hold significant influence as a reflection of global sentiment. This vote occurred after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on November 20 that similarly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The US veto was due to the lack of a clause linking the ceasefire to the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which initiated the conflict.
The second resolution expressed support for UNRWA, established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees. It criticized a recent Israeli law, enacted on October 28, prohibiting the agency's activities in Palestinian territories—a measure scheduled to take effect in 90 days.
Israel has accused certain UNRWA employees of having connections to Hamas militants, citing over 100 individuals allegedly involved in the October 7 attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and around 250 individuals abducted as hostages.
India has consistently denounced the October 7 attacks, labeling them acts of terror, and has emphasized the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Simultaneously, India has repeatedly highlighted the necessity for a ceasefire, ongoing humanitarian aid, adherence to international humanitarian law, and a commitment to restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy.
New Delhi has also expressed concerns regarding the rising violence in West Asia, consistently urging all parties to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
