UNGA passes Gaza ceasefire resolution with 80% support, India votes in favour

The UN General Assembly has taken a resolute step by passing a non-binding resolution, compelling a ceasefire in Gaza with an overwhelming 80% support from member nations.

The vote, which witnessed 153 in favour of the resolution among the 193 UN member nations, showcased a global appeal for immediate peace in the region.

This action comes in stark contrast to the paralysed Security Council, which has repeatedly failed to initiate such a call for a ceasefire.

The resolution aims to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, demanding an immediate halt to hostilities and advocating for the safeguarding of civilians and humanitarian access.

Israel's representative to the UN Gilad Erdan called it a "hypocritical resolution". He said: "Not only does it fail to condemn Hamas for its crimes against humanity -- it doesn't mention Hamas at all."

The vote saw ten countries, including the United States and Israel, opposing the resolution, while 23 abstained from voting.

The Assembly's resounding support for the resolution was a direct response to the Security Council's inability to act decisively in the face of the escalating conflict.

Following the recent veto exercised by the United States, halting the draft resolution calling for a truce in the Security Council, tensions heightened within the General Assembly.

It was tabled by the United Arab Emirates.

Washington's diplomatic cover for Israel drew severe criticism, with Egypt's UN Ambassador, Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud condemning these "tragic" actions as a display of double standards. He labelled the U.S.'s actions as contradictory, reflecting growing frustration among several member nations.

A joint statement from the prime ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand said: "We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians." All three are close allies of Israel and the US.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Washington's ambassador to the UN, said ahead of the votes: "We agree the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. It's the diplomacy that the United States is engaging in on the ground that made that week-long humanitarian pause possible." She added that Israel was pursuing "legitimate military objectives" but called to "avoid mass displacement of civilians in the south of Gaza".

The resolution, unlike its predecessors, emphasises the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. It underscores the critical importance of protecting civilians and calls for the unconditional release of hostages.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern over the dire situation in Gaza, warning of a potential breakdown in public order, reported AFP.

The resolution's support exceeded the typical backing seen for resolutions condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, with 140 or so nations backing such resolutions.

Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour said: "It's a historic day in terms of the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly."

India voted in favour of the resolution.

While India abstained from a similar resolution in October, it voted in favour of this resolution and supported an amendment proposed by the US, which highlighted the attacks by Hamas in Israel and the taking of hostages.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, articulated the nation's stance, emphasising the multifaceted challenges faced by the international community in the region. She underscored the need for a balanced approach to address the grave implications of the ongoing conflict.

"Our challenge, in this extraordinarily difficult time, is to strike the right balance. The gravity and complexity of what the international community faces are underlined by the secretary general invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. We, therefore, welcome the fact that the international community unity has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now," she said.

More than 18,400 Palestinians have died in Israel's bombardment since October 7.