UNGCA Resolution, Gaza Genocide: Abandoning decades of commitment to non-alignment, India abstains

The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a draft resolution for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire and an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, and need for accountability for Israel’s violations. The US and Israel had lobbied internationally to prevent this Resolution Number even being tabled. An overwhelming majority of states, 149, voted in favour, 12 voted against and 19 abstained. India, shockingly, abandoning decades of commitment to non-alignment and alliance with Palestine abstained.

The resolution reiterated previous United National General Assembly (UNGA) demands for a permanent and immediate ceasefire and the dignified unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. It also strongly condemned any use of starvation of civilians as method of warfare and demands that Israel, the occupying power, immediately end its blockade of Gaza and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians throughout the Strip. The Resolution was passed on June 13.

Besides, the UN Resolution that was passed stresses on the need for accountability to ensure Israel’s respect of international law obligations and calls on UN member states to individually and collectively take all measures necessary, in line with international law and the UN Charter, to ensure Israeli compliance with said obligations.

The UN Resolution on Gaza may be read here.

As detailed on the UN website, the Resolution had been brought forward by over 20 countries, and most critically it strongly condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war, demands a full lifting of the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid, and insists on the protection of civilians under international law. Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant political and moral weight.

The Resolution of June 13, followed the developments at the Security Council on June 4: On June 4, the Security Council failed to adopt its draft resolution after a veto by the United States, a permanent member.

“Meanwhile, famine conditions continue to threaten lives across Gaza, and reports persist of civilians being killed or injured while trying to access food at distribution points operated independently of the UN but supported by Israel and the US.

“Assembly steps into as Security Council stalls

“Opening the special session, General Assembly President Philémon Yang said that “the horrors in Gaza must end” after 20 months of war. He criticised the Security Council’s ongoing paralysis and inability to fulfil its core responsibility to uphold peace and security.

“He called the situation on the ground “unacceptable”, highlighting the deprivation of food, water and medicine for civilians, the continued captivity of hostages, and the need for urgent international action.

“Mr. Yang noted that next week’s high-level meeting in New York on implementing a two-State solution, chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, saying it would offer a chance for renewed commitment towards peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“Key elements of the resolution:

Ceasefire: Calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire by all parties.
Hostages: Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups.
Implementation: Urges the full and immediate implementation of Security Council resolution 2735 (2024), including the ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, return of displaced persons, and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
International law: Reaffirms that all parties must uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, with particular attention to civilian protection and accountability for violations.
Starvation as a weapon: Strongly condemns the use of starvation and the denial of aid as tactics of war.
Humanitarian access: Demands the full, safe and unimpeded delivery of aid – including food, medicine, water, shelter and fuel – throughout Gaza.
Detention practices: Calls for the humane treatment and release of those arbitrarily detained, and the return of remains.
ICJ advisory opinion: Recalls the request for an urgent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
End of blockade: Demands Israel immediately lift the blockade on Gaza and open all border crossings for aid deliveries.
Accountability: Urges Member States to take necessary steps to ensure Israel complies with its international legal obligations.
UN and humanitarian personnel: Calls for full respect for the work and immunity of UN staff and humanitarian workers.
Protection of aid workers: Urges both humanitarian and UN bodies to ensure the safety of their personnel.
Medical neutrality: Underscores the duty to protect medical workers, health facilities, and transport routes.

🎥Watch as the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire and an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, and need for accountability for Israel’s violations: pic.twitter.com/70QQLxTP14
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) June 12, 2025