UN Adopts Resolution Against Israel's 'Unlawful Presence' In Palestinian Territories, India Abstains From Voting

The Palestinian-drafted resolution received 124 votes in favour, with 43 countries abstaining from vote and 12 others, including the US and Israel voting against the motion.

The United Nations on Wednesday adopted a resolution demanding an end to "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months. 

The Palestinian-drafted resolution received 124 votes in favour, with 43 countries abstaining from vote and 12 others, including the US and Israel voting against the motion, Reuters reported.

Unlike the UN Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly. The action comes ahead of world leaders travelling to New York for the annual UN gathering. 

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to address the 193-member General Assembly on September 26.

The UN resolution welcomed a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that said that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn. It said that the Israeli occupation should be done "as rapidly as possible". However, the latest UN resolution imposes a 12-month deadline.

The UNGA resolution also called on countries to "take steps towards ceasing the importation of any products originating in the Israeli settlements, as well as the provision or transfer of arms, munitions and related equipment to Israel... where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they may be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," according to the report.

Though the resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the evacuation of settlers from Palestinian territories without delay, it is not legally binding. However, the voting over the resolution reflects the world opinion. 

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon called the resolution a shameful decision that backs the Palestinian Authority’s "diplomatic terrorism."

“Instead of marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre by condemning Hamas and calling for the release of all 101 of the remaining hostages, the General Assembly continues to dance to the music of the Palestinian Authority, which backs the Hamas murderers,” Danon said, according to Associated Press.

The resolution comes as the Israel's war in Gaza approaches its first anniversary and the violence in the West Bank reaches new height. The Israel-Gaza war was triggered by Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7.

India Abstains From Voting

India was among the nations that abstained from voting on the resolution that demanded that Israel bring an end, "without delay" to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months. 

India reiterated its stance on the two-state solution, achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides will lead to enduring peace, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish said while Explanation of Vote (EoV) on the Resolution. 

A joint effort should be directed to bring the two sides closer not drive them further apart. We should strive towards building bridges, not furthering the divides, he added. 

India stressed its "steadfast commitment" to the resolution of the conflict and restoration of peace by bringing human suffering to an end. 

Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine and the United Kingdom were among the other nations that abstained from voting on the resolution.