The United Nations General Assembly on Friday (October 27) held an Extraordinary Special Session to adopt a resolution on the Israel-Palestine issue. India, which has extended its unwavering support to Israel against Hamas terrorism, abstained from voting on the proposal due to the absence of any direct condemnation of the unprovoked October 7 attack on Israeli civilians.
In its comprehensive Explanation of the Vote (EOV), India reiterated its stance on the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, humanitarian support for Gaza also called for the immediate release of the hostages in Gaza.
“Our vote on the Resolution was guided by our steadfast and consistent position on the issue. Our Explanation of Vote reiterates this comprehensively and holistically,” sources told CNN-News18.
Why India Abstained from Voting?
According to top government sources, India left no room for confusion in the matter of terrorism as it believes “there can be no equivocation on terror” and thus, abstained from voting since there was no directed condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel in the final draft of the resolution.
Sources said that the Resolution in the UNGA did not include any explicit condemnation of the terrorist attacks of October 7 while before the final presentation, an amendment was moved to include this aspect.
“We voted in favour of the amendment and it obtained 88 votes in favour (but not the requisite two-thirds majority). In the absence of all elements of our approach not being covered in the final text of the Resolution, we abstained in the vote on its adoption.” sources said.
While India’s EOV called for a strong condemnation of Hamas terror attacks on Israel, it also strongly conveyed its concerns on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the aftermath of the assault.
‘”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,” India’s EOV stated as per the sources.
“Casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern. Civilians, especially women and children are paying with their lives. This humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. We welcome the international community’s de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India too has contributed to this effort,” India stated.
India’s Stance on the Palestinian Cause
“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,” India reiterated in its explanation vote.
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