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Journalism of Courage
India on Tuesday (December 13) voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the unconditional release of all hostages. This was the first time India supported such a resolution since the war broke out more than two months ago.
The 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution at an emergency special session, with 153 nations voting in its favour, 10 voting against and 23 abstentions.
Here is a look at the resolution, which countries opposed it, whether it can change the on-ground situation, and why India had abstained from the earlier resolution.
What was the UNGA resolution?
The resolution expressed “grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population,” and it said Palestinians and Israelis must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law.
It put forward two key demands, including “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire” and “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access”.
The resolution also reiterated the demand that “all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians”.
Which notable countries opposed the resolution?
The resolution was opposed by 10 countries. These were Austria, The Czech Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and the United States.
Can the resolution change the situation on the ground?
Probably not. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. However, the overwhelming support for the resolution serves as an indicator of global opinion.
Moreover, it reflects the growing isolation of the US as it refuses to join demands for a ceasefire. “More than the United Nations or any other international organisation, the United States is seen as the only entity capable of persuading Israel to accept a cease-fire as its closest ally and biggest supplier of weaponry,” according to a report by the Associated Press.
Notably, just before the voting began, US President Joe Biden warned that Israel was losing international support because of its “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza.
Why did India abstain from the previous UNGA resolution?
On October 27, India abstained in a UNGA vote on a resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The country’s decision was in line with the one that it has maintained in the other ongoing — and deeply polarising conflict — in the world: the Russia-Ukraine war.
While the circumstances, politics, and conditions of the two wars are vastly different and not comparable, the diplomatic toolkit of hedging and balancing between the warring sides has been a consistent feature of New Delhi’s approach.
