UN Adopts Resolution Demanding End to Israel’s Occupation of Palestine; India Abstains

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestine within one year, with India among 43 countries that chose to abstain from the vote. The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor during an emergency special session focused on Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and other Palestinian territories amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Sweden, and the UK also abstained, while Argentina and the US were among 14 nations that voted against the resolution.

India has maintained a policy of abstention on most Israel-related resolutions at the UN since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following initial expressions of solidarity with Israel after Hamas’s attacks, India shifted to a more nuanced stance, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a two-state solution. India has also advocated for the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The newly adopted resolution demands that Israel promptly end its “unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and comply with its legal obligations under international law, as outlined by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This includes withdrawing military forces from the territory, halting new settlement activities, evacuating settlers, dismantling parts of the wall built in the territory, and repealing any legislation that perpetuates the unlawful situation.

Japan, which supported the resolution, emphasized the significance of the ICJ’s advisory opinion, stating that Israeli settlement activities hinder the progress toward a two-state solution. Japan also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas, and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.