In a significant diplomatic move, India was among the 145 nations that voted in favor of a United Nations resolution condemning settlement activities in “the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.” The resolution, titled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan,” received overwhelming support, with only seven nations voting against it. ( Credit- Twitter)
The countries opposing the resolution were Canada, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, and the United States. Eighteen nations chose to abstain from voting.
The draft resolution, approved on Thursday, November 9, addresses the issue of Israeli settlements in territories considered as occupied. India’s support for the resolution signals its stance on the illegality of Israel’s occupation through settlers in Palestine. The resolution emphasizes the need for an end to Israel’s apartheid practices in the region.
Saket Gokhale, a prominent voice on social and political issues, commented on the vote, stating, “Israel’s occupation of Palestine through settlers is ILLEGAL. Israel’s apartheid must end NOW (sic).”
This decision follows India’s recent abstention in the UN General Assembly vote on a draft resolution submitted by Jordan last month. The resolution called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict. India chose not to vote in favor of the resolution as it did not address the involvement of the terrorist group Hamas in the conflict.
The resolution titled “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” was overwhelmingly adopted, with 120 nations voting in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstaining. India’s abstention highlighted its commitment to nuanced considerations in addressing complex geopolitical issues.
India’s voting pattern on these resolutions reflects its strategic approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its commitment to upholding international humanitarian laws. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, India’s diplomatic choices in forums like the United Nations underscore its commitment to a balanced and principled foreign policy.
