India voted no on a UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for an investigation into suspected violations and crimes committed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
India was one of 14 countries to vote against on a UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for an investigation into alleged violations and crimes committed during the 11-day Gaza confrontation between Israel and Hamas.
At the close of an all-day special session of the 47-member UN body at its headquarters in Geneva on Thursday, the resolution was accepted with 24 countries voting in favour and nine voting against it.
India, along with 13 other members of the grouping, refrained from voting, according to official details. China and Russia were two of the countries that voted in favour.
“The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution this afternoon on guaranteeing respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel,” according to a statement from the UN organisation.
According to the statement, an international commission of inquiry has been constituted to look into violations of international humanitarian law as well as all suspected violations and abuses of international human rights committed during the recent war.
The Council convened a special session to review the “grave human rights situation” in Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
Indra Mani Pandey, India’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, stated during the special session that New Delhi appreciates the international community’s and regional countries’ diplomatic efforts that have resulted in a ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza.
“India urges all parties to exercise utmost moderation, stop from measures that exacerbate tensions, and refrain from unilaterally changing the status quo, especially in East Jerusalem and its environs,” he said.
Pandey also expressed concern in a statement over the ongoing violence in Jerusalem, particularly at Haram Al Sharif and other Palestinian areas.
“We remain concerned about the ongoing violence in Jerusalem, particularly at Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount and other Palestinian territories, as well as the potential eviction process in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods,” he stated.
India, according to Pandey, is confident that dialogue is the only feasible option for addressing the difficulties affecting the region and its people.
“Recent events have once again highlighted the necessity for an expedient restart of discussion between Israel and Palestine, with the goal of realising the formation of two States living side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders,” he added.
