India votes in favour of UNGA resolution demanding immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza
United Nations, Dec 12: India voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated the demand for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the UN agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban.
The 193-member General Assembly voted Wednesday at the 10th emergency special session to adopt the draft resolution ‘Demand for ceasefire in Gaza’, introduced by Indonesia.
India was among the 158 nations that voted in favour of the resolution while nine member states, including Israel and the US, voted against it. Among the 13 nations that abstained were Albania and Ukraine.
The resolution demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
It demanded that the parties fully, unconditionally and without delay implement all the provisions of the Security Council resolution of June 2024 regarding an “immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of the remains of hostages who have been killed, the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighbourhoods in all areas of Gaza, including in the north, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.”
The resolution demanded immediate access by the civilian population in the Gaza Strip to basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to its survival, while “rejecting any effort to starve Palestinians”.
It further demanded the facilitation of full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance, at scale and under the coordination of the United Nations, to and throughout the Gaza Strip and its delivery to all Palestinian civilians who need it, including to civilians in besieged north Gaza, who are in urgent need of immediate humanitarian relief.
It also demanded that the parties fully comply with their obligations under international law in relation to persons they detain, including by releasing all those arbitrarily detained.
It called upon all parties to fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially women and children.
It reiterated its unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution, with the Gaza Strip as part of the Palestinian State, and where two democratic States, Palestine and Israel, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions.
The resolution rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the territory of the Gaza Strip, and stresses the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Last week, India voted in favour of a General Assembly resolution that called for the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reiterated the call for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
The draft resolution ‘Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine’ tabled by Senegal was overwhelmingly adopted in the 193-member General Assembly Tuesday.
India was among the 157 nations that voted in favour, while eight Member States - Argentina, Hungary, Israel, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea and the United States voted against it. Cameroon, Czechia, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine and Uruguay abstained.
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Moodubidire: Puthige Convention Center inaugurated
Moodubidire: The newly constructed Puthige Convention Center, built by the Puthige Kadalakere Noorani Masjid, was officially inaugurated on Thursday, December 12.
The convention center was inaugurated by Dr. M. Mohan Alva, President of Alva's Education Foundation. Speaking later, he said, "We are all fortunate to be born in this country. India is an ideal country in the world. Despite having the largest population, it is not limited to one caste, caste, religion, or language. Moodubidire is a land of harmony. It should continue like this."
“We need to deeply understand the caste, religion, and language that our ancestors have created and incorporate them into our lives. It is possible to live as a human being only if we have culture. It is a sign of harmony to fully understand one's own caste and religion and to view other castes and religions with respect and brotherhood,” added Alva.
Rev. Fr. Melwyn Noronha, Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Church, Alangar, who graced the event as the chief guest, said that Moodubidire is still a place full of harmony. The Noorani Masjid here is a symbol of harmony and the programs that everyone is doing together, setting aside the barriers of caste and religion.
Abul Ala Puthige, President of Puthige Noorani Masjid, who presided over the ceremony, said that the true picture of harmony is evident in the program held at the inauguration of Puthige Convention Center. He said, “This is the specialty of our Moodubidire.”
The ceremony included the distribution of financial assistance to over 10 families from various religions who are struggling with ill health and financial difficulties. Several individuals, including sportsperson Amrin, health worker Vimala K., academic workers Riza Sheikh Riaz, Aisha Amna Sheikh, Riya Rafique, and businesswoman Nazma, were felicitated for their contributions.
On this occasion, Padma Shri Harekala Hajabba was felicitated by Puthige Convention Center and Noorani Welfare Trust.
Former Minister K. Abhayachandra Jain, Vice President of Puthige Noorani Masjid Shaikh Basheer, General Secretary Mohammed Khayyum, Puthige Grama Panchayat Member Mohammed Shareef, female entrepreneur Sara Abbas and others were present during the program.
Meanwhile, a 20% discount on bookings for the Convention Center is being offered for events booked by the end of December, and the income generated from the center will be used for supporting the poor, assisting the sick, and educating underprivileged students, as announced by Abul Ala Puthige during the inauguration.
