In a recent development at the United Nations General Assembly, India made a bold decision to abstain from voting on a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The resolution, drafted by Jordan, failed to mention the militant group Hamas, which led to outrage from the United States.
India’s Abstention from UN Vote
The resolution presented at the UN General Assembly called for a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and sought unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip.
While the majority of nations, including 120 in favor, voted for the resolution, India, along with several other countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, and the UK, abstained from voting.
One of the key reasons for India’s abstention was the failure of the resolution to mention the militant group Hamas, responsible for unprecedented attacks on October 7, which tragically claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people.
The United States strongly criticized this “omission of evil,” expressing concern that the resolution provided cover and empowerment to Hamas’ brutality.
India’s Support for the Amendment
Before voting on the resolution, an amendment proposed by Canada and co-sponsored by the US was considered.
The amendment aimed to condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas and demand the release of hostages according to international law. India, along with 87 other nations, voted in favor of the amendment.
However, it failed to gain a two-thirds majority, resulting in the amendment being rejected.
The Jordanian-drafted resolution emphasized the urgency of an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce, as well as the provision of essential goods and services to civilians in the Gaza Strip.
It highlighted the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring humanitarian access for various agencies and organizations.
US Outrage and India’s Stance
The omission of Hamas and the absence of the term “hostage” in the resolution led the US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, to express outrage.
She argued that these omissions not only covered up Hamas’ brutality but also neglected the suffering of innocent people held captive.
India, by abstaining from the vote, maintained a neutral stance, not aligning with either side of the conflict.
Protecting Civilians and Ensuring Humanitarian Access
Despite the controversy surrounding the resolution, it still called for the protection of civilians and recognized the importance of ensuring humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.
It demanded compliance with international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects, humanitarian personnel, and the facilitation of essential supplies and services to reach those in need.
