U.N. member nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas and unrestricted access for the delivery of desperately needed food to 2 million Palestinians.

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza and aid access, after the United States vetoed a similar effort in the Security Council last week.

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on Thursday on a draft resolution that demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza after the United States vetoed a similar effort in the Security Council last week.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution, by overwhelmingly majority, demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in in Gaza and aid access. Piloted by Spain, the resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan and 47 other states, garnered 149 votes in favour to 12 against, with 19 abstentions.

India was among the 19 nations that abstained, while 12 nations voted against the resolution, which got 149 votes in favour

U.N. member nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted access for the delivery of desperately needed food to 2 million Palestinians.

Congress leader KC Venugopal criticized the Union Government for abstaining from the UNGA vote on a Gaza ceasefire, questioning India's shift from its historical stance on peace and justice. He highlighted India's isolation within South Asia,

The United Nations said on Thursday that there was a full internet blackout in the Gaza Strip, likely due to military activity damaging the last cable into the enclave, that has paralyzed aid operations.

The U.S. last week vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that also demanded an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" and unhindered aid access in Gaza, arguing it would undermine U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, following a U.S. veto in the Security Council. The resolution also demands the release of hostages by Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.