India abstains from voting on UNGA resolution against Israel’s ‘occupation

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Org

Context:

India, along with 42 other nations, abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution urging Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months.
Earlier, India had abstained from voting on a UNHRC resolution that called for immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

About the resolution:

The resolution demands Israel’s immediate withdrawal from Palestinian territories and holds Israel accountable for violations of international law.
The resolution also demands that Israel must be held accountable for any violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territory, including any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Israel must bear the legal consequences of all its wrongful acts, including by making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.
The resolution was based on the recommendation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Voting:

The resolution was adopted with 124 nations in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, including India. Japan voted in favour.
Countries Abstaining: Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom were among the nations that abstained.
Opposition to the Resolution: Israel and the US voted against the resolution, which called for legal consequences for Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

What India said:

We have been strong advocates of dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that there is no other way to resolve conflicts.
India reiterated that only a two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides will lead to enduring peace.
India said that effort should be directed towards bringing the two sides closer, not drive them further apart.
The abstention was a marked departure from India’s record of voting in favour of resolutions that demand Israel to withdraw troops from Palestinian territory.