Overview

• The UN General Assembly approved a Spain-led resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza with 149 votes in favor, 12 against and 19 abstentions, including India’s.
• Ambassador P. Harish explained that India’s abstention reflected its belief that only dialogue and diplomacy can resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior party figures called the abstention “staggering moral cowardice” and a “shameful betrayal” of India’s historical support for Palestine.
• This marks India’s fourth abstention on Gaza-related UN resolutions in three years, signaling a shift from its past votes endorsing Palestinian statehood and ceasefire calls.
• Hostilities in Gaza have killed over 60,000 Palestinians and blocked vital aid, intensifying criticism of any diplomatic stance seen as weakening humanitarian appeals.