UN Demands Israel Withdraw From Palestine, India Abstains From Voting
India-West News Desk
NEW YORK, NY – India on September 18, abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that called for Israel to end its “unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months.
The 193-member Assembly adopted the resolution, with 124 countries voting in favor, 14 voting against, and 43 abstaining, including India.
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, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” demanded that Israel “bring to an end, without delay, its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” setting a 12-month deadline.
The resolution, drafted by Palestinian representatives, strongly condemned Israel’s violations of international law and its obligations under the UN Charter. It stressed that these breaches pose a serious threat to both regional and international peace and security. Additionally, the resolution emphasized that Israel must be held accountable for any violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including breaches of humanitarian and human rights law, and must make reparations for any damages caused by its actions.
Among the countries voting against the resolution were Israel and the United States, while other abstentions included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.