India abstains from voting on Israel in the UNGA as there was no mention of Hamas attack

India abstained from voting on a resolution in the UN General Assembly that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict to end hostilities. It also called for unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

Israel has launched a massive retaliation against Hamas after more than 1,400 people were killed in sudden attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on October 7.

The 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), who met again for the 10th emergency special session, voted on the draft resolution submitted by Jordan and co-sponsored by more than 40 countries, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia and South Africa.

A resolution titled "Protecting civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" was introduced, with 120 countries voting in favor, 14 against and 45 abstentions.

Apart from India, the countries that did not vote included Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the UK. The resolution drafted by Jordan made no mention of the terrorist group Hamas, with the US expressing outrage at the "evil omission".

The amendment proposed by Canada calls for inserting a paragraph in the resolution that would state that the General Assembly "unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that began in Israel on 7 October 2023 and calls for the release of the hostages, security "Demands for." Called for the well-being and humane treatment of hostages in compliance with international law, and their immediate and unconditional release.

India voted in favor of the amendment along with 87 other countries, while 55 member states voted against it and 23 abstained. The draft amendment could not be adopted as it failed to obtain a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.