India Votes for UN Resolution Urging Ceasefire and Hostage Release in Israel-Hamas Conflict

India voted in favor of a draft resolution presented at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The resolution also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages involved in the conflict.

The draft resolution, which gained substantial support from various nations including Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Palestine, aimed to address the escalating crisis in the region. However, it faced opposition from ten countries, including the United States and Israel, while 23 nations chose to abstain from voting.

Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, described the General Assembly's decision as a historic moment, emphasizing the powerful message sent by the international community.

Notably, the resolution did not explicitly mention Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, prompting the United States, a key ally of Israel, to propose an amendment. The amendment included a paragraph that "unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas" and emphasized the taking of hostages. India voted in favor of this amendment.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, explained India's stance, stating, "India has voted in favor of the resolution just adopted by the General Assembly." She highlighted the multifaceted nature of the conflict, encompassing a terrorist attack in Israel, concerns for hostages, a humanitarian crisis, and the broader issue of finding a peaceful two-state solution to the longstanding Palestine question.

Ms. Kamboj underscored the gravity and complexity of the situation, welcoming the unity displayed by the international community in addressing the challenges faced in the region. She acknowledged the delicate balance required and referenced the invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter by the Secretary-General, emphasizing the need for a common ground to tackle the multiple challenges.

This marks a shift in India's position as it had abstained on a similar resolution in October. Despite the abstention, India had previously called for unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.

The UN General Assembly vote follows the recent veto by the United States of a similar resolution in the UN Security Council. The Security Council resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and supported by over 90 member states, received 13 favorable votes, with the United Kingdom choosing to abstain. The diplomatic developments reflect the ongoing global efforts to address the escalating conflict and its humanitarian implications in the Israel-Hamas dispute.

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