Context: India abstained from a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza for the fourth time in three years.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about UNGA; Location of Gaza strip; developments in Israel-Palestine Issue.
India abstains from UNGA resolution for Gaza ceasefire
- The resolution titled- Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations was introduced in the UNGA.
- 149 of 180 countries voted in favour of the resolution.
- The US voted with Israel and 10 other countries against the resolution.
- India was the only country in South Asia, BRICS or the SCO groupings to abstain from voting in the resolution.
- In December 2024, India had voted in favour of a UNGA resolution for ceasefire. The latest move of abstention by India makes a departure from India’s position just six months ago. It indicates a growing trend in the government’s policy not to vote on statements critical of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
The recent resolution calls on Israel and Hamas to comply with international law obligations, and an immediate and permanent facilitation of full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance at scale in Gaza, including food and medical supplies, fuel, shelter and access to clean drinking water.
India’s position in Israel-Palestine issue
- India announced its recognition of Israel in 1950 and has recognised Palestine in 1988.
- Two-State solution: India consistently supports a negotiated two-state solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within a secure and recognised border, side by side at peace with Israel.
About United Nations General Assembly
- UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN.
- It provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion on international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. It includes discussions on global issues like peace, security, human rights, and other international challenges.
- It comprises all member states of the UN (193 members). UNGA is the only UN organ where all member states have equal representation (vote). UNGA can grant observer status to the non-member States.
- The presidency rotates annually among five geographic groups: African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, Western European and others.
Functions of UNGA:
- Responsible for the UN budget
- Appointing the non-permanent members to the UN Security Council
- Appointing the UN secretary-general
- Making recommendations through resolutions (non-binding).
Key Achievements of UNGA:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
- Millennium Development Goals (2000)
- Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030)
- Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration (2018)
Key points about the Gaza Strip:
- Geographical Location: It is a coastal enclave along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It borders Israel (north and east) and Egypt (southwest, at the Rafah crossing). Does not share a border with Jordan.
- Political Status: One of the two Palestinian territories, the other being the West Bank. Governed by Hamas since 2007 after a conflict with the Palestinian Authority. Subject to an Israeli and Egyptian blockade since Hamas took control.
- Historical Context: It was under Egyptian control (1948-1967) after the Arab-Israeli War. After the 1967 Six-Day War, it was captured by Israel. Oslo Accords (1993-1995) gave partial control to the Palestinian Authority. Israel withdrew settlements in 2005 but still controls airspace and maritime access.
- Strategic Importance: Highly populated and densely urbanised (~2 million people in ~365 sq. km). A focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with frequent clashes. Economic blockade of the strip affects trade, employment, and humanitarian conditions.