India abstained from a UN General Assembly vote on Wednesday, where a resolution demanding an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories within a year was adopted. The vote took place during an emergency session addressing Israeli actions in East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian Territory amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resolution passed with 124 votes in favor, while India and 42 other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK, chose to abstain. Fourteen nations, including Argentina and the United States, voted against it.

India's stance at the UN has largely been consistent, abstaining from most resolutions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict since its onset. After initially expressing solidarity with Israel following the Hamas attacks, India has shifted to a more balanced position.

The government has called for an immediate ceasefire, the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a return to diplomacy to achieve a two-state solution. The newly adopted resolution demands Israel end its "unlawful presence" in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including withdrawing military forces, dismantling settlement activities, and ceasing new settlements within 12 months. 

UN General Assembly
Image Source: www.icj-cij.org

The General Assembly also urged Israel to comply with international law as outlined by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including dismantling portions of the separation wall located in the Occupied Territories. Japan, which supported the resolution, emphasized the importance of the ICJ's role and reiterated that Israeli settlement activities undermine efforts for a two-state solution. Japan also affirmed its commitment to supporting international mediation efforts, including those led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza and to secure the return of hostages taken by Hamas.

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