During a debate at the UN General Assembly on Monday, India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj presented the country's stance on the issue, which had been prompted by the US veto of a Security Council resolution last month calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
"To achieve a lasting solution, we call for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of violence," she stated, emphasising the importance of releasing all hostages, refraining from provocative and escalatory actions, and striving to create conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations."
She held it "unacceptable" that civilian lives, especially women and children suffering as the consequence of the war leading to an unwanted "humanitarian crisis".
Reiterating New Delhi's "firm" condemnation of civilian casualties, Kamboj highlighted that the "immediate trigger" for the Gaza conflict was "the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which were shocking and warrant our unequivocal condemnation." She stated, "India maintains a longstanding and unwavering stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."
She emphasised the critical need to prevent further escalation of violence and hostilities, stating, "It is imperative to avoid the loss of civilian lives in any conflict situation. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected under all circumstances," Kamboj further added.
She also noted that the humanitarian crisis had deepened, and the region and beyond had experienced rising instability.
According to reports, the debate took place under an Assembly resolution which mandates a meeting to be held after a veto is cast, requiring the permanent member responsible for the veto to explain their action and prompting reactions from UN members.
It is worth noting that Kamboj did not reference the US veto or any instances of veto powers being exercised by the five permanent UNSC members, despite their impact on the situations in Ukraine or Gaza.
Kamboj affirmed, "India has provided humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and will continue to do so." She stressed the urgency of scaling up humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza immediately in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Addressing the debate, General Assembly President Dennis Francis expressed his deep regret that the assembly had to address the Security Council veto issue within the context of Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, noting that these measures had been unequivocally endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the Assembly. "Each passing day carries the risk of a deepening failure to meet our moral duties and obligations; and every life lost further stains our collective conscience," he remarked.
During the debate, the US defended its veto by stating that the resolution proposed by Algeria could disrupt the intensive efforts already underway to reach an agreement resulting in the release of the remaining hostages and a temporary ceasefire. The US found itself isolated within the 15-member Security Council, with 13 members voting in favor of the resolution while Britain abstained.
US Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood mentioned that negotiations were ongoing, with the participation of Egypt and Qatar, aimed at securing the release of hostages and achieving a humanitarian ceasefire.
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