India abstains on UNGA resolution demanding Israel leave Palestinian territory in a year

India on Wednesday (Sep 18)abstained from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that demanded Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months.

The Palestinian-drafted resolution received 124 votes in favour, while 43 countries abstained, including India. Meanwhile, Israel, the United States and 12 others voted no.

Moreover, the nations abstaining included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

The resolution was titled 'Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.

The resolution demanded, "Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility, and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution.”

Moreover, the resolution welcomes a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which stated Israel's occupation of Palestinian authorities and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn.

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The UNGAresolution further called on states 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."

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticised the UNGAfor failing to condemn the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, further triggering Israel to retaliate.

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas stormed into Israeli communities, reportedlykilling around 1200 people and taking nearly 250 hostages.

(With inputs from agencies)