India abstains from vote on UN resolution on Gaza. “Zero tolerance approach…” says top Indian envoy

Oct 28, 2023

New York (USA), Oct 28 (ANI): The United Nations General Assembly on October 27 (local time) adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The Jordanian-led draft resolution has been adopted by the General Assembly, with 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The 45 nations that abstained from voting on the resolution included Iceland, India, Panama, Lithuania and Greece. The resolution was adopted during the UN General Assembly’s emergency special session on the Israel-Palestine crisis. Addressing the UN General Assembly, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to UN, Yojna Patel reiterated India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. “In a world where differences and disputes should be resolved by dialogue, this august body should be deeply concerned at recourse to violence...The terror attacks in Israel on 7th October were shocking and deserve condemnation. Our thoughts are also with those taken hostages. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders, nationality or race...Let us keep aside differences, unite and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. Casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern. Civilians, especially women and children, are paying with their lives...” said Yojna Patel. “We welcome the international community's de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India too has contributed to this effort. India is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict...India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders side by side in peace with Israel...” she added.