United Nations, June 13 – India has abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that called for an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, introduced by Spain, also urged the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

The resolution, titled “Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations,” received 149 votes in favor, 12 against, and 19 abstentions, including India. The vote comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza due to ongoing conflict.

As per agency report, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, in a statement read by diplomat R. Ravindra, explained India’s decision to abstain. He emphasized that the proposal was brought in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated India’s deep concern over civilian casualties, condemning the loss of innocent lives.

India stated that it has consistently refrained from voting on similar resolutions concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict in the past. The Indian envoy stressed that sustainable solutions must come through dialogue and diplomacy, urging both parties to engage in meaningful efforts supported by the global community. It was on these grounds that India chose not to participate in the vote.

The resolution also called for Israel to immediately lift its blockade on Gaza, open all border crossings, and ensure the rapid and large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, in line with international legal and humanitarian obligations.

United Nations, April 25 – The United Nations, along with Indian leaders and members of the international community, has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, most of them tourists. The UN emphasized that targeting civilians is unacceptable under any circumstances and called for a global outcry against such acts of terrorism.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan with deep concern. As per agency report, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated at a daily press briefing that the Secretary-General has not made direct contact with either government but is urging both sides to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any escalation.

Dujarric specifically referred to the terrorist attack that took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, confirming that the United Nations condemns the incident. He stressed that Guterres continues to follow the developments between the two neighboring nations with keen attention and concern.

The attack, which claimed 26 lives including that of a Nepali national, occurred at one of Kashmir’s most prominent tourist destinations. The tragedy was a focal point during a special UN session hosted by India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on “Empowering the Digital Citizen of the Future: Towards an Integrated Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).”

During the session, global leaders began their remarks by expressing solidarity with the victims. UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the attack. Indian Minister of State for Commerce, Industry, Electronics, and IT Jitin Prasada also paid tribute to the victims before addressing the digital infrastructure agenda.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, reiterated the nation's grief over the loss of lives and the brutal nature of the attack. UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill also opened his speech with a message of sympathy and support for the victims and the Government of India.

In response to the attack, the Indian government has taken a series of diplomatic and strategic measures. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan and closed the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect. Additionally, India has declared Pakistan's defense attachés at its High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India will identify every terrorist, their handlers, and supporters, and bring them to justice. He underscored the country's resolve to act decisively against cross-border terrorism.

The United Nations’ stance reflects a broader call for international solidarity against terrorism and reaffirms the principle that civilian lives must be protected under all circumstances.

Geneva, February 27: India strongly criticized Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for bringing up the Jammu and Kashmir issue, describing Pakistan as a "failed state" that survives on "international aid" and perpetuates "falsehoods" through its "military-terrorist nexus."

During the 58th regular session of the UNHRC in Geneva, India exercised its 'Right of Reply' to respond to Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir. Kshitij Tyagi, Advisor to India's Permanent Mission at the United Nations in Geneva, addressed the council, stating, "India is exercising its Right of Reply in response to the baseless and malicious references made by Pakistan. It is regrettable but not surprising that Pakistan’s so-called leaders and representatives dutifully propagate the lies manufactured by their military-terrorist nexus.”

Tyagi emphasized, “It is unfortunate that a failed state, which thrives on instability and is dependent on international aid, is wasting the council's time. Pakistan’s rhetoric reeks of hypocrisy; its actions embody inhumanity, and its governance reflects incompetence."

He reiterated that "the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have always been and will remain an integral part of India." Highlighting the progress made in the region, Tyagi stated, "The unprecedented political, social, and economic development in Jammu & Kashmir over the past few years speaks for itself."

India urged Pakistan to focus on addressing the hardships faced by its own citizens instead of interfering in India’s internal matters.

Tyagi also targeted Pakistan for misusing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a tool to further its propaganda. He stated, "Pakistan is making a mockery of the OIC by using it as its mouthpiece. While we do not wish to dignify such disinformation with a response, for the record, we are compelled to set a few facts straight."

The exchange at the UNHRC underscores the ongoing diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue. India's firm response highlighted its stance against what it described as Pakistan's "propaganda" and reaffirmed the sovereignty and development strides in the region.

New York: India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Exercising its 'Right to Reply' on Friday, India responded through Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

Mangalanandan remarked, "This assembly witnessed a regrettably ludicrous event earlier today. A country globally notorious for terrorism, drug trafficking, and international crimes, a nation run by its military, dared to attack the world’s largest democracy." She emphasized that the world knows Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbors.

The Indian diplomat highlighted Pakistan-based terror groups' involvement in attacks like the 2001 assault on the Indian Parliament and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. She said, "They have attacked our Parliament, our financial capital Mumbai, markets, and places of worship. The list is long. For such a country to speak on violence anywhere is sheer hypocrisy."

Prime Minister Sharif had earlier suggested that India restore Article 370 and initiate dialogue for a peaceful resolution on Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Mangalanandan said India has already rejected Pakistan's proposal of a "strategic settlement," stating that there can be no compromise with terrorism. She reiterated that Pakistan must understand that cross-border terrorism against India would have inevitable consequences.

Reminding the global community of Pakistan's history, she pointed out that it harbored al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden for years. She stated, "It is no surprise that Pakistan's Prime Minister would speak such words at this distinguished forum. However, it is crucial to clarify how unacceptable they are to all of us. Pakistan might prefer to respond to truth with more lies, but repeating lies doesn’t change the facts. India's stance remains clear."

Mangalanandan also highlighted Pakistan’s intent on Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "The truth is that Pakistan has always eyed our region and has consistently used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India." She reminded the assembly that Pakistan is a country with a history of election rigging and continues to oppress its minorities while speaking about intolerance and fear.

Following India's response, a Pakistani diplomat exercised Pakistan’s 'Right to Reply,' calling India's claims baseless and misleading. It’s noteworthy that Pakistan's leaders often raise the Kashmir issue annually at the UNGA.

New York — The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has stated that India, Japan, and Germany should be granted permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Reaffirming the longstanding U.S. support for this expansion, she presented three proposals on Thursday related to reforms within the Security Council. The written format of her proposals has been uploaded to the UNSC website.

These remarks come ahead of the two-day United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) summit scheduled to begin on September 22, under the theme "Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow." The general debate is set to take place from September 24 to 30. Traditionally, Brazil will be the first speaker to open the high-level session on September 24, followed by the United States. Current U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to deliver his final address to world leaders from the UN platform during his term.

Initially, it was announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address the high-level debate on September 26. However, it has since been indicated that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar may deliver India's statement during the general debate on September 28.

A few days prior to the arrival of these global leaders, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that the U.S. also supports granting temporary Security Council membership to African countries and advocates for making two African nations permanent members.

Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations program on "The Future of Multilateralism and United Nations Reforms," she announced U.S. support for creating a new seat on the Security Council for Small Island Developing States. "The G4 nations—Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan—mutually support each other's bids for permanent UNSC membership," she noted.

"India is the country with the largest population in the world. The United States strongly supports its inclusion in the Council. I believe there is no basis to deny India membership," Thomas-Greenfield stated. "However, some people will oppose various countries for different reasons. We will address these concerns in upcoming discussions."

She underscored the necessity for reform, stating, "It's clear we have a way forward. The time for reform has come. The Council needs to be strengthened." Quoting her late friend and mentor, Madeleine Albright, she added, "Like people over 70, institutions also need a little renovation."

Thomas-Greenfield recalled that two years ago, President Biden announced U.S. support for expanding the Security Council to provide permanent representation to African countries, as well as nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. "We are committed to supporting permanent seats for India, Japan, and Germany," she affirmed. "The time has come to turn the President's vision into reality."

United Nations - The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Thursday that a three-day ceasefire will be implemented in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign for children. This decision comes in response to the first confirmed case of polio in a child in the Palestinian territories in 25 years.

**Efforts to Vaccinate Amid Conflict**
Rick Peppercorn, WHO's representative in the Palestinian territories, stated that the vaccination campaign will begin on Sunday in central Gaza, with subsequent three-day pauses in southern and northern Gaza. "Given the complexities of operating in a conflict zone, additional days may be necessary to complete the vaccination coverage," Peppercorn explained. The target is to vaccinate 640,000 children under the age of ten.

This unprecedented measure reflects the urgency of addressing the polio outbreak while navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the region.

United Nations : India has thrown its support behind Palestine's bid for full membership in the United Nations by voting in favor of a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly. The resolution, presented during a special session chaired by the United Arab Emirates, President of the General Assembly for May, garnered 143 votes in favor, including India's, while 9 member states voted against and 25 abstained.

The resolution underscores Palestine's eligibility for UN membership as outlined in Article 4 of the UN Charter, advocating for its immediate admission as a full member state. The overwhelming support for the resolution signals a significant step in Palestine's pursuit of international recognition and statehood.

New Delhi, Jan 23 (IANS) Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has called the absence of India as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) "absurd" despite being the 'most populous' country on Earth.

On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on X saying, "How can we accept that Africa still lacks a single Permanent Member in the Security Council? Institutions must reflect today’s world, not that of 80 years ago."

To which, author Michael Eisenberg replied by asking about India, "And what about India? Better yet is to dismantle the @UN and build something new with real leadership".

Later, Musk replied to Eisenberg's post, saying, "At some point, there needs to be a revision of the UN bodies. Problem is that those with excess power don’t want to give it up".

"India not having a permanent seat on the Security Council, despite being the most populous country on Earth, is absurd. Africa collectively should also have a permanent seat imo," he added.

For years, India has been fighting for a permanent place at the UNSC table.

Currently, the US, the UK, France, Russia, and China are the five permanent members of the UNSC, often referred to as the 'P5'.

Meanwhile, Musk has denied the report claiming that his artificial intelligence (AI) company 'xAI' secured $500 million in funding toward a $1 billion goal.

A report by Bloomberg, citing sources, stated that xAI was in talks with investors for an additional $500 million in funding.

However, Elon Musk dismissed the report, saying, "This is fake news from Bloomberg", in response to a user who shared the news article on X.

United Nations, Dec 13 (IANS) Faced with the "challenge" to "strike the right balance", India has joined the General Assembly's call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, reversing its earlier position of abstaining.

After the resolution was adopted on Tuesday with 153 votes, India's Permanent Representative to UN, Ruchira Kamboj, outlined the complicating factors, the terrorist attack on October 7 on Israel, the humanitarian crisis and the deaths of civilians and said, "Our challenge in this extraordinarily difficult time is to strike the right balance."

"We, therefore, welcome the fact that the international community has been able to find a common ground to address the multiple challenges facing the region right now," she added.

The resolution presented by Egypt and Mauritania with scores of co-sponsors received only 10 votes against and there were 23 abstentions.

It also demanded the release of all hostages and called on all parties to comply with their international obligations, especially for protecting civilians and to ensure humanitarian access for relief to Gaza.

The resolution is only symbolic because, unlike the Security Council, it does not have enforcement powers.

In the continuing Israel counterattack on Gaza in pursuit of Hamas, more than 18,000 Palestinians, over 8,600 of them children and 4,500 women, have died leading to support for Israel ebbing.

The UN has warned of a breakdown in the humanitarian system in Gaza where a majority of its 2.2 million residents have been displaced from their homes and face hunger and disease.

Illustrating the change in attitudes towards Israel, the earlier resolution on October 27 received 121 votes and it has risen to 153 for the latest resolution on Tuesday, while votes against came down from 14 to 10, and abstentions 44 to 23.

Biden on Tuesday acknowledged the situation saying in Washington that Israel is "starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place".

India, in a change from its policy of firm support for Palestine, had abstained on the October resolution because it did not condemn terrorism.

But on Tuesday it voted for the latest resolution even though it did not condemn terrorism or name Hamas.

India supported an amendment moved by Austria to name Hamas as the party holding hostages and another by the US to condemn "the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas," both of which were voted down on Tuesday.

The US, Israel and Austria were among the 10 countries voting for the resolution, while Britain and Germany were among the abstainers.

"The situation that this August body has been deliberating upon, has many dimensions," Kamboj said, laying out the dilemma over the situation.

She said, "There is the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 and the concern for the hostages taken at that time. There is an enormous humanitarian crisis and the large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially of women and children."

"There is the issue of observing international humanitarian law in all circumstances. And there is the endeavour to find a peaceful and lasting two states solution to the long-standing Palestine question," she added.

India, which has been facing pressures internally and internationally to take a stand for a ceasefire because of the spiralling humanitarian crisis, took a finely balanced approach this time voting for the two amendments and the resolution as a whole.

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis set the stage for the vote on the resolution saying, "Right now, what we are seeing is an onslaught on civilians, the breakdown of humanitarian systems, and profound disrespect for both international law and international humanitarian law."

"Clearly, what we are witnessing is the unprecedented collapse of an already-crumbling humanitarian system, in real time," he said.

US Permanent Representative to UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that Washington supports "a resumption of humanitarian pauses which could happen immediately if Hamas only agreed to release women, wounded, and civilian hostages".

The US differentiates between a ceasefire, which could be for an indefinite duration, and a humanitarian pause which is limited in time and purpose.

Thomas-Greenfield said the US supported elements of the resolution, but could not vote for it because it failed to unequivocally condemn the "murdering babies and gunning down parents in front of their children".

"We agree that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and requires urgent and sustained attention. That civilians desperately need food and water, and shelter and medical care. That a devastating number of innocent people have been killed, and that civilians must be protected, consistent with international humanitarian law," she added.

Palestine's Permanent Observer, Riyad Mansour said it was a "historic day" because of "the powerful message that was sent from the General Assembly" and vowed to ensure a ceasefire was implemented.

Last week, Washington vetoed a Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire, the second time it has done so.

Russia vetoed a resolution and China joined it in vetoing another.

However, the Council passed one resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the fighting after Russia, the US and Britain abstained.

Late last month, the warring parties agreed to a four-day humanitarian pause in the fighting to enable humanitarian relief supplies to go to Gaza and for hostages to be released. It was extended for three more days.

United Nations, Nov 22 (IANS) Two days after the Cricket World Cup final, India has absented itself from voting on a General Assembly resolution on sports promoting "understanding among peoples and nations".

Being absent during the voting on Tuesday does not amount to a formal abstention as it is not put on record.

The resolution, "Building a Peaceful and Better World through Sport and the Olympic Ideal", was adopted with 118 votes while only Russia and Syria formally abstained.

India's UN Mission did not respond to an IANS query about the absence.

The Assembly session was sparsely attended and 73 countries had stayed away.

The resolution said, "Sports can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding among peoples and nations."

Sponsored by France, it tied the resolution to the Paris Olympics next year and called for an international truce for the event in a tradition going back to 776 BCE when the ancient Greeks stopped fighting during the games.

The truce is "to ensure the safe passage, access and participation of athletes, officials and all other accredited persons" attending the "Olympics and the Paralympic Games," the resolution said.

It also called for ensuring the safety of the Games.

"Sports can play to prevent and counter-terrorism and violent extremism" and build "resilience against radicalisation to violence and terror recruitment," it added.

Introducing the resolution on behalf of France, Tony Estanguet, the President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Organising Committee, said, "The games are the best incarnation of the powers of sport because they bring together tolerance, respect and sharing as values throughout the world."

The Olympics show that "it is possible to live in harmony and in respect of other people," said Estanguet, a former Olympic athlete.

However, rancour and politics crept in.

Russia's delegate complained that there was a "dangerous trend of political interference in sport and of turning it into an instrument for exerting political pressure".

"Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are being stripped of their dreams for which they've lived and worked" of competing under their own country's flag, she said.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said that ensuring non-discrimination and political neutrality in international sports competitions is "crucial for building a better and more peaceful world through sport".

But he countered Russia's complaint, saying that it was suspended because it violated the Olympic Charter by including athletes from regions of Ukraine it had invaded and infringing on the territorial integrity of that country's Olympic committee.

Washington, Oct 31 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shocked the world on Monday, stating Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, saying "This is a time for war" drawing parallel with the US military action after 9/11 and Pearl Harbour attack.

Israel ground forces pushed two miles into Hamas-occupied Gaza for crushing the terror organisation holding some 232 hostages of various nationalities, according to reports reaching here from Tel Aviv.

Israel's military killed dozens of Hamas fighters Monday overnight striking targets in northern Gaza as its expanded ground operations in the enclave moved rapidly. Israeli media showed the country's troops atop a hotel about two miles into the Gaza Strip, media reports said.

Netanyahu made clear on Monday that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire, drawing parallels to the US' position after Pearl Harbour in 1941 and the September 11 terror attacks in 2001. 

"I want to make clear Israel's position regarding the ceasefire. Just as the US would not agree to a ceasefire after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, or after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7," he said. 

"Calls for a ceasefire or calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorists, surrender to barbarism, that will not happen," he said, adding, while the Bible says there is a time for peace, "This is a time for war." 

When asked if he has considered stepping down, Netanyahu said the only thing he would resign is Hamas.  

"We're going to resign them to the dustbin of history. That's my goal. That's my responsibility," he added. 

The UN warned "civil order" was breaking down in Gaza after weeks of siege and bombardment, with people breaking into warehouses to grab all essentials for their survival.  

US President Joe Biden pushed Netanyahu on Sunday to "immediately and significantly" scale up the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the White House said.

Hamas has released a video showing three women who are believed to be captives held by the Palestinian militant group since its terror attack on Israel on October 7. The video comes just days after Israeli leaders dismissed talks of progress in hostage negotiations, CNN reporters from the battlefield in Gaza said.

The US is pushing Israel to "ensure that communication networks in Gaza remain operational," as well as to restore essential services of water and fuel, a State Department spokesperson said. 

"We made clear to the government of Israel over the weekend that communications networks need to be restored, and we are pleased that they took steps to do that," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing. 

Miller also said the US is "making progress" on ensuring fuel deliveries to Gaza.

Netanyahu rejects claims of civilian casualties in Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back against reports that Israel was inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian people in its pursuit of Hamas, saying the group was preventing civilians from moving to the safe zone in southern Gaza. 

"Hamas is preventing them from leaving, keeping them in areas of conflict. So I think you should direct your questions to Hamas," Netanyahu told a reporter at a news conference on Monday. 

Netanyahu added Israel has been trying to prevent civilian casualties by calling for civilians in Gaza to move to a safe zone in the south and providing humanitarian support. 

"We have to do everything we can to minimise civilian casualties, but we cannot give up the fight," he said, saying the future of his countries and other "civilised countries" depend on it. 

Around 150 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since the gate opened last week, US says. 

A total number of 150 aid trucks have made it through the Rafah crossing into Gaza since the gate opened last week, according to the US State Department. A total of 45 aid trucks went through on Sunday -- the most since the gate opened, it added. 

"We aim to surpass that number today, tomorrow and beyond," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Miller added the US would "continue our relentless diplomatic efforts in partnership with Israel, Egypt, the United Nations and international humanitarian partners" to increase "daily deliveries of food, water and medical supplies into Gaza". 

Prior to October 7, there were 450 trucks going into Gaza daily, said Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, in a press briefing last week. 

She added the trucks were facing delays due to screening, technical, security and political issues.

New Israeli leaflets dropped on Gaza urge civilians to evacuate a "battlefield". Israeli aircraft have dropped new leaflets in Arabic over Gaza, warning people in northern and central parts of the strip that "the governorate of Gaza has become a battlefield".

"Shelters in the north of the Gaza Strip and the governorate of Gaza have become unsafe," according to the leaflet, an image of which CNN said it saw. 

"Hamas and the terrorist organisations are using the shelters, hospitals and schools in this area. Therefore, your presence in these places is not safe," the flier continued.

"You must immediately evacuate and move to the humanitarian area to the south of Wadi Gaza," the leaflet said.  

An Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas has been released, IDF says. 

A female Israeli soldier who had been kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 has been released during ground operations in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday.

"Overnight, the soldier PVT Ori Megidish was released during IDF ground operations," the IDF said in a statement, adding, "the soldier was medically checked, is doing well, and has met with her family."

United Nations, Oct 28 (IANS) In a first, India has voted against a UN General Assembly resolution backing the Palestine cause.

India's opposition to the resolution on Friday was because it failed to condemn Hamas for its terrorist attack and the Assembly rejected an amendment supported by New Delhi that would have named the terror group.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel said after the vote, "The terror attacks in Israel on October 7 were shocking and deserve condemnation." 

"The world should not buy into any justification of terror acts. Let us keep aside differences, unite and adopt a zero tolerance approach to terrorists," she added. 

The resolution that called for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict and provision of assistance to the people of Gaza passed with 120 votes while there were 14 votes against it and 45 abstentions, giving it a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.

India backed the amendment to the resolution moved by Canada that named Hamas and condemned its 7/10 attack, but it failed to pass, getting only 88 votes, while there were 54 votes against it, with 23 abstentions.

Patel said, "Terrorism is a malignancy and knows no borders, nationality or race."

The Hamas attacks were "on a scale and intensity that is an affront to basic human values," she added. 

"Violence as a means to achieve political objective objectives, damages indiscriminately, and does not pave the way for any durable solutions."

"We hope that the deliberations of this Assembly will send a clear message against terror and violence and expand prospects for diplomacy and dialogue while addressing the humanitarian crisis that confronts us," she said.

The Assembly action came after the Security Council failed to pass four resolutions on Gaza, one each vetoed by Russia and the US, and two that did not get the minimum nine votes to pass.

The Assembly's resolution is only symbolic because unlike the Security Council it does not have the power to enforce it.

Patel also spoke of the toll the conflict in Gaza has taken on civilians and said, "This humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed."

"India is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and astounding loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict," she added.

"Casualties in the ongoing front conflict in Gaza are a telling, serious and continuing concern; civilians especially women and children are paying with their lives," she said. 

She also reiterated India's support for a two-state solution that would have Israel and Palestine living side-by-side as independent, sovereign states.

The resolution that passed was proposed by Jordan on behalf of the Arab group and Pakistan, Bangladesh and China were among the co-sponsors.

Pakistan's Permanent Representative Munir Akram spoke against the amendment before the vote asserting that it lacked "equity and balance and fairness".

If Hamas should be named, so should Israel, he said, adding that the resolution Islamabad co-sponsored was "circumspect" in not naming either of them.

Many countries that voted for the amendment switched to voting for the resolution even without the amendment or abstained, enabling its passage.

Britain and France were among the Western countries that made the switch and voted for the resolution.

France's Permanent Representative Nicolas de Riviere explaining the change said that it sought to enable aid for the civilians of Gaza.

He said, "Nothing could justify the suffering of civilians. All of the victims of war are worthy of compassion, all of the lives are equally worthwhile. There's no hierarchy."

"We have to work collectively to set up humanitarian truce, which could lead eventually to a ceasefire because the situation in Gaza is catastrophic," he added. 

Iraq, which voted against the resolution, later said that it was done in error and that it backs it.