In a significant move to address the ongoing Israel-Gaza crisis, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution titled “Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations.” This development comes after a deadlock within the UN Security Council, where member states struggled to reach an agreement on four draft resolutions related to the Israel-Gaza crisis that erupted on October 7.
The resolution garnered widespread support, with 120 countries voting in favor, while 14 countries opposed it. An additional 45 countries, including India, abstained from voting.
Ambassador @PatelYojna, Deputy Permanent Representative, delivered the explanation of India’s vote at the 10th #UNGA Emergency Special Session today
Statement: https://t.co/6tOLVQnNv4 pic.twitter.com/phbvs5GiP8
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) October 27, 2023
The resolution underscores the importance of upholding international humanitarian and human rights laws, particularly in the protection of civilians and civilian objects. It also emphasizes the safeguarding of humanitarian personnel, persons hors de combat (those no longer taking part in hostilities), humanitarian facilities, and assets. Additionally, the resolution calls for enabling and facilitating humanitarian access to ensure essential supplies and services reach all civilians in need in the Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, the resolution called for rescinding of the order by Israel, “the occupying Power”, for Palestinian civilians, UN staff and humanitarian workers to evacuate all areas in the Gaza Strip north of Wadi Gaza and relocate to the south.
Explanation of Vote by India
India, while abstaining from the vote, delivered an Explanation of Vote emphasizing the need for conflict resolution through dialogue rather than violence. India expressed deep concern about the violence’s scale and intensity, which it viewed as contrary to basic human values. The Indian representative condemned the terror attacks in Israel on October 7 and called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, highlighting that terrorism knows no borders, nationality, or race. India called for global unity and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
India also expressed concern about civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, in the Gaza conflict. The nation welcomed international efforts to de-escalate the situation and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting its own contributions to these efforts. India stressed the need for all parties involved to act responsibly to prevent further deterioration of the security situation and exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis.
Reaffirming its support for a negotiated Two-State solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, India urged parties to de-escalate violence and create conditions for the early resumption of direct peace negotiations.
