PRINCIPLED SHIFT: ON INDIA’S STAND ON GAZA

THE CONTEXT: Two months after Israel’s bombardment of Gaza residents in retaliation for the terror attacks by Hamas, India joined the global call to stop the bombing. It voted in favour of a resolution at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) along with 152 other nations.

BACKGROUND:

• The United Nations Secretary-General invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza.
• Article 99 allows the secretary-general to “bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security”.

UN RESOLUTION:

• The 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the draft resolution ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’.
• It was initiated by Egypt, at an Emergency Special Session of UNGA with 153 nations voting in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions. .
• Those voting against included Austria, Israel and the US while Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ukraine and the UK were among those who abstained.
• The resolution demanded

1. An immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
2. An observance of international humanitarian law
3. The unconditional release of all hostages by ensuring humanitarian access

• The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population.
• While the UNGA does not have the power to enforce its resolutions as the UNSC does, it carries the sentiment of the global community against the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has rendered more than a million people homeless.

INDIA’S STAND:

• India’s vote was a shift from its previous vote at the UNGA resolution on October 27, when India had decided to abstain from voting for a resolution that called for a ceasefire.
• The government explained this to be a matter of principle, as part of India’s “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism, as the earlier resolution did not contain an “explicit condemnation” of the October 7 attacks.
• However, while the UNGA resolution passed recently bears no direct mention of the terror attacks, India has voted in favour.
• Although the government has yet to detail the rationale, there could be several reasons:

1. High casualty: There is high casualty with 18,000 dead and the highest such toll of nearly 90 journalists.
2. Hostages: More than 80% of the entire population is homeless. More than 100 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas custody.
3. Indiscriminate use of missiles: Israeli defence forces have gone far beyond their original mandate of eliminating Hamas capacity and freeing the hostages and led to forced occupation of more territory. Even the U.S., Israel’s biggest ally, estimates that nearly half of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions deployed by Israel thus far are “unguided” or indiscriminate missiles.
4. Global opinion: Global opinion, including Indian public opinion, has moved from sympathy with Israel, to horror at the unfolding aftermath. India could not have been immune to entreaties by Palestine and the Gulf States to take a relook at its vote.

IMPLICATIONS:

• It may be too early to see India’s UNGA vote as a reversal of its earlier position and a reversion to its original position in the conflict, where it has traditionally called for peace.
• Much will depend on the role India chooses for itself in ensuring the ceasefire is effected and holds, given that Israel has already rejected the UNGA

WAY FORWARD:

• India’s Principled Stand: India should reiterate its support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and call for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict.
• Balanced Approach: India has always shown a balanced approach and it should continue doing this. For example, even with closer ties to Israel, India continued supporting Palestine. India’s External Affairs Ministry voiced support for direct negotiations towards a sovereign Palestinian state, showing a balance in its stance.
• More vocal position: India must take a more vocal position on Gaza with Israel. India will need to mobilise its diplomatic skills and goodwill with the main actors to negotiate in the coming times.
• India role for peace in west Asia: India’s role in multilateral organizations requires constant efforts in cooperation with all related parties to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and West Asia”.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s recent vote in UN General Assembly reflects its balanced approach to international conflicts.  It underscores India’s commitment to principles of diplomacy and its focus on a negotiated resolution to complex global issues.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

Q.2 ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of the US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.(2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 India is currently facing dilemma with respect to ongoing Israel Palestine conflict. Suggest the diplomatic and political efforts that can help India protect its geopolitical interests.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/principled-shift-the-hindu-editorial-on-indias-stand-on-gaza/article67638569.ece