India supports UN resolution denouncing Israeli settlements in Palestine. In a recent United Nations session, India found itself at the heart of geopolitical discussions as it voted in favor of a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestine.
The resolution, which denounced settlement activities in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan,” gained approval on Thursday.
Notably, among the seven countries opposing the resolution were the United States and Canada, while eighteen nations abstained from voting.
This decision follows India’s abstention from another critical vote on a UN resolution that called for an “immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks on Israel, has resulted in a devastating toll, claiming over 11,000 lives in Gaza, with approximately 1,200 Israelis losing their lives and over 200 being taken hostage in the Hamas attacks.
Indian government sources clarified the rationale behind their decision to abstain in the earlier vote, citing India’s concern for the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
However, the sources emphasized that there could be no equivocation on terror and pointed out that the resolution did not explicitly condemn the terrorist attacks of October 7.
An amendment to include this crucial aspect was moved but failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority.
“In the absence of all elements of our approach not being covered in the final text of the resolution, we abstained in the vote on its adoption,” stated a government source.
The Indian government’s stance, as explained by Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel, is guided by a “steadfast and consistent position” on the Israel-Palestine issue.
Patel reiterated India’s support for a negotiated Two-State solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially described the October 7 attacks by Hamas as a “terrorist” action, the government’s response has evolved into a more balanced approach as the human cost of the conflict continues to rise.
The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that India has consistently advocated for direct negotiations to establish a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine.
As India supports UN resolution denouncing Israeli settlements in Palestine, India’s nuanced stance reflects its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis while upholding its position on combating terrorism and supporting a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
