Vantage | What India's vote for Gaza ceasefire is telling Israel

The question of what victory looks like for Israel has become increasingly complex in the wake of the recent conflict with Hamas. On 7 October, the world stood in solidarity with Israel as it faced a brutal attack by Hamas. Even Arab countries expressed sympathy and genuine support for Israel’s right to self-defence. However, 68 days later, the global sentiment has undergone a significant transformation, with India serving as a noteworthy example.

Changing global sentiment Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to condemn the attack on 7 October and express support for Israel’s right to self-defence. However, recent developments, including a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution vote on a ceasefire in Gaza, indicate a shift in India’s stance. The resolution garnered support from 153 countries, including India, marking a departure from their previous abstention on a similar resolution in October. Two primary concerns drove India’s shift in policy. Firstly, the alarming loss of civilian lives in Gaza with more than 18,000 casualties including a significant percentage of children. Secondly, the violation of humanitarian laws, evidenced by airstrikes on hospitals, reports of forced starvation and instances of collective punishment. India’s call for a ceasefire reflects a stance against these humanitarian violations. Global support for ceasefire A comparison of the two UNGA resolutions, one in October and the recent one, reveals a substantial increase in support for a ceasefire. In October, 120 countries voted in favour, with 45 abstentions. In contrast, the recent resolution saw 153 countries, comprising 80 per cent of all UNGA members, supporting a ceasefire, with only 23 abstentions. This shift underscores a growing international consensus urging Israel to halt the conflict. Israel’s diplomatic efforts at the UN, including symbolic gestures like wearing yellow stars in October, have faced challenges. Attempts to include mentions of Hamas in the recent resolution were unsuccessful, reinforcing the message that addressing civilian casualties is imperative, irrespective of the provocations by Hamas. While the US has historically been a staunch supporter of Israel, recent statements from President Joe Biden indicate a nuanced stance. Despite critical remarks about Israel’s actions, the US remains steadfast in defending Israel at the UN. The question arises: Why is the US reluctant to support a ceasefire, especially when its allies have shifted their positions? Biden’s deadline and Netanyahu’s response Reports suggest that Biden has given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu until the end of 2023 to conclude the war. Netanyahu, facing domestic pressure and the tragic discovery of two Israeli hostages in Gaza, remains defiant expressing differences with the US but vowing to continue the war. “Yes, there is disagreement about ’the day after Hamas’ and I hope that we will reach agreement here as well. I would like to clarify my position: I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo. I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism. Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahstan,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu. The evolving dynamics suggest that victory for Israel extends beyond the battlefield. Winning the political battle is crucial to avoid isolation and potential emergence of new adversaries. As the international community increasingly calls for a ceasefire, the question remains: Will Israel heed these calls and how will its leadership navigate the complex web of global opinions and diplomatic challenges? Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.