As reported by Vijay Prashad:United States votes against the world to shield Israel at the UN Human Rights Council. 29 of the 46 countries voted to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate war crimes by Israel. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki: "Israel is perpetrating huge crimes in Gaza. It is killing whole families. Israel must be held accountable for its crimes." India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asoke Mukerji said, "We remain hopeful that a sustainable ceasefire will be reached between the two sides, linked to the resumption of the peace process, for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue." India is "deeply concerned" with the civilian casualties. India votes yes. That is a very important sign. The pressure from the BRICS and from the old pro-Palestinian bloc prevailed (see my less hopeful analysis from last week,http://www.epw.in/commentary/india-and-israeli-war-palestine.html). Who abstained: Austria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Montenegro, South Korea, Romania, Macedonia and the United Kingdom. The yes votes came from part of the old Socialist bloc, the old NAM bloc (including India) the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic States, the new South American assertion and the two major veto powers (Russia, China). A very important step for a broad consensus against Israel's wars, and for Palestinian freedom.