United Nations, March 6 : India has called for an "immediate de-escalation and eschewing of violence" in Gaza but stopped short of specifically mentioning a ceasefire, which is now a broad demand across the UN but opposed by Israel.

"In order to arrive at a lasting solution, we urge for an immediate de-escalation and eschewing of violence," India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj told the UN General Assembly on Monday.  She also called for "the release of all hostages, avoiding provocative and escalatory actions and to work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations". 

While reiterating New Delhi's "strong" condemnation of civilian deaths in the conflict, Kamboj noted that the "immediate trigger" for the Gaza conflict was "the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which were shocking and deserve our unequivocal condemnation".  "India has a longstanding and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," she said. 

On the conflict that has resulted in massive civilian casualties, she said, "It is critical to prevent further escalation of violence and hostilities. It is imperative to avoid the loss of civilian lives in any conflict situation. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected under all circumstances." 

According to the Gaza health ministry, over 30,000 people have been killed, most of them children and women, since Israel waged retaliatory attacks on the territory after Hamas struck Israel killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 190 people, many of them children, hostage.