India supports UNGA resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza

United Nations: India joined 157 other nations in supporting a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, introduced by Indonesia, received overwhelming support with 158 votes in favour, while nine members, including the United States and Israel, voted against it.

The comprehensive resolution demands several crucial actions, including the immediate release of all hostages and the implementation of full humanitarian access to Gaza. It specifically calls for the “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be respected by all parties,” while highlighting the urgent need to restore basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilian population.

Key provisions of the resolution include the facilitation of “full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance” throughout Gaza, with special emphasis on reaching civilians in the besieged northern region. The document also explicitly rejects “any effort to starve Palestinians” and demands compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, women, and children. The resolution reaffirms the UN’s commitment to a two-state solution, envisioning Gaza as part of the Palestinian State, with Palestine and Israel existing as democratic neighbours within secure and recognised borders. It specifically opposes any attempts at demographic or territorial changes in Gaza and emphasises the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority administration.

Last week, India voted in favour of a General Assembly resolution that called for the withdrawal of Israel from the

Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reiterated the call for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East.agencies