UN General Assembly Passes Resolution on Gaza Conflict

Context:

The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution, with 120 countries in favor, that calls for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas. The resolution also demands aid access to Gaza. Notably, 14 countries, including Israel and the United States, voted against the resolution, while 45 countries, including India, abstained from voting. India’s abstention indicates its diplomatic balancing act concerning the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
2. UN General Assembly convenes for Gaza resolution
3. Key Takeaways from the UNGA Proceedings
4. Main Elements of the Indian Statement at the UNGA

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• The UNGA, established in 1945 under the UN Charter, is headquartered in New York City.
• It is one of the six principal organs of the UN, serving as the primary policy-making body.
• The UNGA provides a global platform for discussing a wide range of international issues outlined in the UN Charter.
• All 193 UN Member States possess an equal vote in the UNGA.
• The UN Charter (Chapter IV, article 20) allows the General Assembly to convene special sessions as needed.
• These sessions are called by the Secretary-General at the request of either the Security Council or a majority of UN Member States.

Emergency Special Sessions of UNGA

• An emergency special session is an unscheduled UNGA meeting to provide urgent recommendations on a specific issue.
• The UN Charter allows the UNGA to hold an emergency special session within 24 hours of the request, even if it’s not in regular session.
• Procedures for calling such sessions are outlined in the General Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.
• Emergency special sessions are initiated by the Security Council with seven member votes or by a majority of UN Members.
• Since 1950, there have been only 11 emergency special sessions held.
• Implications
• Resolutions from these sessions are not legally binding but carry political significance as they represent the collective will of the entire UN membership, reflecting global opinion on crises.

UN General Assembly convenes for Gaza resolution

• A meeting of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was held, involving its 193 member states.
• The gathering took place as part of the 10th Emergency Special Session, which originally focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and began in April 1997.
• This session marked the continuation of the 10th Emergency Special Session.
• During this assembly, the attendees voted on a proposed resolution submitted by Jordan, with support from over 40 other nations.

Key Takeaways from the UNGA Proceedings

Resolution on Protection of Civilians:

• Adopted with 120 nations in favor.
• India abstained along with Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
• Israel and the United States were among the 14 members who voted against it.

Amendment Proposed by Canada:

• Aimed to hold Hamas responsible for the crisis.
• Condemned Hamas for a terrorist attack on Israel and demanded the release of hostages.
• India aligned with the majority (87 in favor), 55 member states voted against, and 23 abstained.
• The amendment was not adopted.

UNGA Resolutions:

• Non-legally binding; carry moral weight and authority.
• Israel and the US not legally obliged to act on the resolution.

India’s Diplomatic Position:

• India’s stance aligns with its approach in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• New Delhi consistently employs a diplomatic toolkit to balance between warring sides.

Main Elements of the Indian Statement at the UNGA

• Condemned violence, particularly the October 7 attacks by Hamas, expressing support for Israel.
• Balanced support for Israel with a statement on the plight of the people of Gaza.
• Welcomed international efforts to de-escalate and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, with India’s own contribution.
• Expressed concern about the security situation, calling for restraint and responsibility from all parties, including Israel, Iran, and groups like Hezbollah.
• Reiterated India’s principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue.
• Supported a negotiated Two-State solution for Israel-Palestine, with a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine alongside Israel.
• Advocated diplomacy and dialogue.
• Urged parties to de-escalate, avoid violence, and work towards conditions for direct peace negotiations.

-Source: The Hindu