India Clarifies Reasons for Abstaining in UN Vote on Israel-Hamas Conflict

A non-binding resolution, initially put forward by Jordan, garnered significant support from member states, with 120 nations voting in favor, while 14 opposed the resolution, and 45 abstained. Countries including Israel, the United States, Hungary, and five Pacific Island states were among those that cast their votes against the resolution during an extraordinary special session. Despite the country’s decision to abstain on a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, India is committed to combating terrorism, such as the attacks on Israel by Hamas, and is concerned about the civilian losses in Gaza, according to sources acquainted with the situation who spoke on Saturday.

Hungary and five Pacific Island countries voted against the resolution during an extraordinary special session. In explaining India’s vote, Yojna Patel, the deputy permanent representative, said the October 7 terror attacks were shocking and demanded the immediate release of Hamas hostages. She also stated that the casualties in Gaza are still a source of concern, and that the humanitarian crisis must be addressed.

“In the absence of all elements of India’s approach being covered in the final text of the resolution, we abstained in the vote on its adoption,” one of the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. “Our vote was guided by India’s steadfast and consistent position on the issue,” he added.

The resolution did not include any “explicit condemnation” of Hamas terror attacks, according to the people. Before the main resolution was voted on, an amendment was proposed to include this aspect. India voted in favor of the amendment, which received 88 votes but fell short of the two-thirds majority required.

During Hamas’ attacks, approximately 1,400 people were killed and scores were taken hostage. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 6,700 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory airstrikes and bombardment by Israel.

In her statement presenting India’s “explanation of vote,” Patel expressed that the scale and intensity of the violence witnessed in the conflict are a direct challenge to fundamental human values. She emphasized that violence does not lead to lasting solutions to conflicts.

Addressing the terror attacks in Israel, she characterized them as deeply shocking and called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. Patel stressed that terrorism is a global menace that transcends borders, nationalities, and races, and she urged the international community to reject any attempts to justify acts of terror. She emphasized the importance of setting aside differences and uniting in adopting a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.

Regarding the casualties in Gaza, particularly among civilians, including women and children, Patel expressed significant concern. She described the situation as a severe and ongoing humanitarian crisis that demands attention. Patel acknowledged and welcomed the international community’s efforts to de-escalate the conflict and provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

India also expressed concern over the worsening security situation and the distressing loss of civilian lives in the conflict. Patel emphasized that any further escalation of hostilities in the region would only worsen the humanitarian crisis, and all parties involved must exercise the utmost responsibility in their actions.

Reaffirming its consistent stance on the Palestinian issue, India reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution that would result in the “establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, alongside Israel in peace.”

India called upon the parties involved to de-escalate the conflict, refrain from violence, and focus on creating conditions conducive to the prompt resumption of direct peace negotiations, underscoring the importance of working toward a peaceful resolution.