NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, India chose to abstain from a UN General Assembly resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution was passed with significant support, garnering 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, including India.
The vote occurred during the 10th emergency special session addressing Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and other areas. Countries that also abstained included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. The UK abstained while endorsing a two-state solution, while Japan voted in favor, emphasizing the importance of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which states that Israeli settlement activities hinder the two-state solution.
Israel and the US were among the nations opposing the resolution, titled “Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences Arising from Israel’s Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” The resolution demands that Israel promptly end its unlawful presence in these territories, asserting that this occupation entails international responsibility and should be terminated no later than 12 months from the resolution’s adoption.
Additionally, the Palestinian-drafted resolution condemned Israel’s ongoing violations of the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions, noting that such actions pose serious threats to regional and international peace and security.
