India Votes In Favour Of UNGA Resolution Demanding Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza, Unconditional Release Of All Hostages

On Tuesday (12 December), India supported a draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, and demanded the unconditional release of all hostages.

The resolution was proposed by a number of nations, such as Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, and others.

However, it was opposed by ten countries, including the United States and Israel, and 23 others chose to abstain from voting.

The initial draft resolution omitted any reference to Hamas, leading the US, a staunch ally of Israel, to suggest a modification.

This amendment included the following statement: "Unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages."

India voted in favour of this amendment.

In October, India chose to abstain from a similar resolution that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite abstaining, India had called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations General Assembly's decision to vote comes on the heels of the United States' veto of a similar resolution in the UN Security Council. The resolution, which was proposed by the United Arab Emirates and backed by more than 90 member states, garnered 13 votes in favor, while the United Kingdom chose to abstain.

On 7 October, a terror attack by Hamas resulted in the death of more than 1,200 Israelis, the majority being civilians. Israel responded by launching airstrikes on the Gaza Strip - a known Hamas stronghold - leading to the death of over 18,000 people.