New Delhi: A heated political debate has erupted following India's decision to abstain from a UN General Assembly vote on an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Congress party has expressed dismay and disappointment at India's abstention, while the government has said that the resolution did not mention Hamas and maintained that India's stance is to oppose terrorism in all its forms.

During an emergency UNGA session today, 193 member nations voted on a resolution calling for an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7 when Hamas carried out a surprise attack resulting in the loss of 1,400 Israeli lives.

In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale counter-offensive, conducting sustained airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and imposing restrictions on access to essential supplies such as food, internet, and fuel.

The resolution, put forward by Jordan, was widely adopted with 120 nations in favour, 14 against, and 45 abstaining.

The countries that skipped the UN General Assembly vote, besides India, included Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, and the UK.

India stated at the assembly that the Hamas attack on Israel should be condemned and called for a clear message against terrorism.

Reacting to this, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was "shocked," stating that witnessing the annihilation of thousands of men, women, and children in Palestine in silence is against India's values.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi said "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," and added that refusing to take a stand goes against everything the country has stood for as a nation.

However, senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi countered Priyanka gandhi, stating that India will never support terrorism.

He underscored, "For those who are 'ashamed and shocked,' they must realize that India will NEVER be on the side of terrorism."

"Priyanka Ji, you should first educate yourself on things that are put out from your X account. Looks like people, who have no idea of Congress's past positions on the situation, are advising you. What is worse is that in an attempt to make you look ‘better' than Rahul, they are making you look silly," the former union minister added.

The resolution, introduced by Jordan, marks the first formal response of the United Nations to the escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine since the Hamas terror attacks of October 7.

The voting at UNGA took place at a time when Israel announced an intensification of ground incursions in Gaza.