New Delhi: India on Wednesday voted in favour of a resolution condemning violence in Gaza at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Urging for an “immediate ceasefire”, India called on Israel and Palestine to start a process of “peaceful dialogue”.
New Delhi’s position on Wednesday marked the continuity of the policy adopted by the Narendra Modi government, in tune with the previous governments.
The resolution which came down heavily on Israel — and was co-sponsored by Pakistan among other countries — was adopted by 29 votes in favour, 17 abstained and the US was the only country which voted against.
Along with India, countries that voted in favour were Pakistan, China, Maldives, Russia, South Africa and Brazil among others. UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, South Korea were among the 17 countries which abstained.
In its statement at the 21st special session of the Human Rights Council on the “Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”, the Modi government said, “We are deeply concerned at the human rights situation… as also at the violence by non-state actors in the region which have the effect of serving as avoidable obstacles to the peace process, as well as to the realisation of the legitimate aspirations of both the peoples to co-exist in peace and security.”
The Indian statement also called upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking actions that may further exacerbate the situation, and threaten peace and security of the region.”
“India is deeply concerned at the steep escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, particularly heavy airstrikes in Gaza and disproportionate use of force on ground, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives, especially women and children and heavy damage to property. The Government of India is closely monitoring the situation unfolding and supports all efforts for an immediate ceasefire between the parties involved,” the statement by the Permanent Mission to the US in Geneva said.
