India backs UNGA resolutions on Gaza ceasefire and UNRWA

India, along with several other UN members, have approved General Assembly resolutions, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees that Israel is seeking to ban.

UNGA on Wednesday voted 158-9, with 13 abstentions, to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and 159-9, with 11 abstentions, in support of the UN agency - UNRWA.

The voting was held after two days of speeches that called for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas. Israel and the US voted against the resolutions. The resolution demanded an immediate and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties, while also reiterating a demand for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.


The other resolution backed the mandate of UNRWA, which was established by the UNGA in 1949. It criticised laws adopted by Israel's parliament on October 28 banning UNRWA's activities in the Palestinian territories.