Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, India abstains from voting at the UNGA on a resolution calling for ‘an urgent humanitarian truce’

India has abstained from voting at the UN General Assembly on a resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas war, leading to a suspension of hostilities. However, unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip was demanded by India.

India stated that the October 7 attack was horrific and that the culprits should be held accountable while being one of the 44 nations who abstained from voting on the UN resolution condemning Israel and requesting a ceasefire. “The terror attacks in Israel on 7th October were shocking and deserve condemnation. Our thoughts are also with those taken hostages. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Terrorism is a cancer that knows no borders, nationalities, or races." The international community should not accept any justification for terrorist attacks. Let us put aside our differences, unite, and take a zero-tolerance stance to terrorism," she said, adding that India is genuinely concerned about the deteriorating security situation and civilian casualties in the ongoing battle.

"Using violence to further political goals causes widespread harm and does not lead to long-term solutions," said Yojna Patel. The Indian Ambassador further stated that in a world where differences and disputes should be resolved via discussion, the world at large should be genuinely concerned about the use of violence. "That too, when it happens on a scale and intensity that is an affront to basic human values," the Indian Ambassador added.

The UN resolution, drafted by Jordan, did explicitly mention Hamas. The rationale provided by India for not voting likewise omitted any reference to Hamas. That being said, India backed Canada's amendment to the resolution, which added a phrase denouncing Hamas for their taking of hostages.

The resolution titled "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" was adopted with 120 votes in its favor. Only 14 nations—including Israel, the US, Hungary, and five Pacific island states—voted against the motion. At a special UNGA meeting in New York on Friday afternoon, 45 nations—the majority of which are members of the Western military bloc—opted not to participate in the vote. India was one of them. All seven of South Asia's countries voted in favor of the resolution, with India being the lone exception.

The Jordanian-drafted resolution called for a humanitarian "truce" and stressed the significance of following international humanitarian law. It demanded the unconditional release of all detained civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of crucial supplies to Gaza. The resolution was also sponsored by Russia, and many Arab and Islamic countries, including significant states like Egypt, Oman, and the UAE, supported it.

With support from the West and the United States, the Canadian amendment aimed to include wording that expressly denounced Hamas for the kidnapping of hostages. There were 88 votes in favor of the amendment, 55 against it, and 23 abstentions. However, it was not accepted since it did not receive the required two-thirds majority of votes from members 'present and voting'. India was also among those countries that voted in favor of a West-backed Canadian amendment that sought to condemn Hamas by name explicitly. All the Arab countries, with the exception of Tunisia, voted against the Canadian amendment, while India supported it.

The General Assembly also demanded the "immediate and unconditional release" of all civilians detained illegally, demanding their safety, well-being, and humane treatment in accordance with international law. India, in its explanation for abstinence also stated that it advocates for a negotiated solution to the problem that Israel and Palestine are grappling with. “India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side-by-side in peace with Israel. For this, we urge the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence, and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations.” maintained India. In addition the UNGA emphasized that only by peaceful methods, in conformity with relevant UN resolutions and international law, and on the basis of the two-state solution, can a "just and lasting solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian issue be accomplished.

Previously, India abstained from voting on a resolution in the U.N. General Assembly on February 23 that emphasized the urgency of establishing a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine in accordance with the U.N. Charter’s principle.